HomeMy WebLinkAbout182.Parks, N. 5-11_Jefferson County SMP (45)
Michelle McConnell
From:Noreen Parks [nmparks@q.com]
Sent:Tuesday, May 11, 2010 11:06 AM
To:Stewart, Jeff R. (ECY)
Subject:Jefferson County SMP
Importance:High
Categories:LASMP Public Comment
Dear Mr. Stewart,
As a citizen of Jefferson County, I want to express (again) my support for the Shoreline Master Program
adopted by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners.
As you know, during the four-year process for drafting this program, the Department of Community
Development provided many opportunities for community involvement, including several direct mailings to
shoreline property owners. And, of course shoreline owners were represented on the Policy Advisory
Committee
The final product is an admirably balanced plan that strives to meet the needs of Puget Sounds
ecosystem and satisfy concerns of property owners. As a biologist and environmental writer, I was
pleased to see that the policies and decisions incorporated into the plan were based on peer-reviewed
science. To be sure, the final document is a compromise, but in my view this was a stellar example of
democracy in action.
To me, the most important elements in the plan are the folowing provisions, which were strongly
supported in significant testimony at all the meetings and hearings:
The prohibition of commercial net pen farming. Although there have been some improvements in
aquaculture practices, allowing net pens in Puget Sound, when we are struggling to control and
reverse pollution, would be very foolhardy. The health of the sound take priority over the
must
economic interests of a small number of aquaculture promoters.
The 150-foot shoreline buffer, which current research indicates is critical--at a minimum-- for protecting
shoreline functions. The allowance for flexible buffer modification where appropriate and there is
no net loss to shoreline functions is a compromise that should satisfy property owners.
The clear language in the SMP will make it easier for citizens to comprehend the policies, while providing
land use consistency and minimizing the need for shoreline armoring by encouraging non-structural
remedies.
I applaud the Board of County Commissioners' efforts to analyze testimony and incorporate suggested
ideas, where appropriate. I sincerely hope that DOE will approve the SMP and give it the strongest
possible support.
Thank you for the opportunity to give my input on this very important issue.
Sincerely,
Noreen Parks
1
Noreen Parks, Science & Environmental Writer
52 Becker St.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360 379-4007
2