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HomeMy WebLinkAboutM010503 Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee Minutes Wednesday, January 15, 2003 Present: David Jenkins, District 2 Anne Murphy, District 2 Andrew Palmer, District 3 (Chair) Pat Pearson, WSU Cooperative Extension Rex Rice, Environment Dan Tittemess, Jefferson County Commissioners Spike Hall, District 3 Jeff Gallant, District 1 Absent: Bill Kalina, ex-officio, U.S. Navy, Indian Island Larry Crockett, ex-officio, Port of Port TmV1lsend Larry Lawson, Commercial Fishing Vam Brooks, Marine Science Practitioner Judy Surber, City of Port Townsend Judy Damore, District 1 (Vice Chair) Guests: John Cambalik, Puget Sound Action Team Joanna Sanders, Secretary Al Scalf, Jefferson County OPENING BUSINESS Chair Andy Palmer called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the Madrona Room, at the WSU Cooperative Extension, Port Hadlock, Washington. There was a quorum of members present. The minutes of the meetings of November 20 and December 4, 2002 were approved, as were the minutes of December 18th, with the following changes. On Page 3, under Year 4 Action Grant, since the MRC had not formally presented to MainStreet, it should instead state there was an "initial conversation" with Mari Mullen of MainStreet. The Agenda was approved with the addition offuvestigation of Web site System. OBSERVER COMMENTS John Cambalik noted that the Puget Sound Shared Strategy Conference would be held in Tacoma on February 5~6. The Puget Sound Research Conference will be held in Vancouver, BC on March 31~April 3 and it may be possible for the Action Team to offer one free registration per MRC. Registration material is available on their website (www.wa.gov/puget_sound). Also available on the website are copies of the "Successes and Challenges" report from the last biennium, as well as the work plan for 2003~05. The Estuarine Research Federation Conference will be held at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle on September 14~18, 2003. He also provided the MRC library with a newspaper formatted compilation of November Post lntelligencer articles on Puget Sound, entitled "Our Troubled Sound." Pat Pearson agreed to investigate whether there is any training budget to cover registration and travel expenses. There was a brief discussion of recent emails regarding Navy training activities in the Straits and Puget Sound and whether any State agencies or Counties have submitted letters of concern. OLD BUSINESS Year 3 Project Update - Olympia Oyster: Rex Rice circulated pictures of a trip he and Barbara Nightingale, along with 21 Chimacum High School students, made to conduct habitat surveys in Discovery Bay with Betsy Peabody. Based on their observations during this trip, the mortality rate for the oyster seed was about 60~70%. On Friday, the Olympia Oyster committee would look at samples of signage proposed for the Gardiner boat ramp. The MRC then reviewed a Discovery Bay map showing potential seeding sites. Year 3 Project Update - Habitat Stewardship: Pat Pearson reported that she and Barbara Nightingale had met with several members of Bay Watch about that group's interest in producing a flyer about the health of the Bay - past, present and future - and then holding a community meeting for further discussion. Bay Watch has expressed interest in working closely with the MRC. Pat Pearson agreed to post the date for the Gardiner meeting on the MRC listserve to enconrage MRC member attendance. The boat tour of Port Marine Resources Committee - January 15, 2003 Page: 2 Townsend Bay/Killisut Harbor is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, January 25. Regarding the offer by Dennis Willows of the University of Washington to allow MRCs to utilize their new research vessel, David Jenkins agreed to contact him for more information. There was MRC interest in possibly touring Discovery Bay with members of Bay Watch. Year 4 Action Grant Proposal Status: Andy Palmer reported that in response to a Straits Commission request, Judy Damore, Barbara Nightingale and Pat Pearson traveled to Padilla Bay to discuss the MRC's Year 4 Action grant proposal with Tom Cowen and Andrea Copping. Pat Pearson explained changes to the grant that related to the removal of water quality monitoring for Spartina and shifting funds in the budget from Category C to B. Because the Department of Agriculture is engaged in Spartina monitoring and training, they may still be work with the Bay Watch community or other volunteer groups. She noted that the Commission was supportive of both the anchor project and MRC's efforts to improve communications with the BOCC. Regarding the Dabob/Tarboo Bay assessment, the MRC might contract with Peter Bahls of the Northwest Watershed Institute, who could then work with the North Olympic Salmon Coalition to perfonn fish surveys and coordinate with volunteers of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center to do beach seines. Anne Murphy noted that Peter Bahls is beginning his beach seining in Tarboo on Feb. 13-14. When the details are firm, she would forward an announcement to the MRC. There was some discussion about the amount of money WSU would take out for grant administration. While expenditures would not change, there would be some shifting between categories to ensure compensation. Spike Hall moved and Anne Murphy seconded to approve the revised Year 4 Action Grant as submitted, with a caveat that the Executive Committee would firm up the budget figures before forwarding it to the Commission. Anne Murphy reported that discussions at a recent meeting of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding revealed certain misunderstandings about the "Anchor FreelProtection Zone" project. She suggested a subcommittee produce a draft timeline for this project. Andy Palmer agreed that an ad hoc committee might lay out a time line with community outreach steps, meet with Dave Robison of the Northwest Maritime Center, and undertake to present before other groups such as the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, Chamber, etc. It was suggested that this committee might also be tasked with being the liaison with the contractor/coordinator who would then develop the strategic plan. Palmer noted the need for further discussions with Fish and Wildlife, the County and the City about permitting. Rex Rice and David Jenkins agreed to be on the Anchor FreeIProtection Zone committee. Murphy talked of the desire to get a coordinator hired by mid-to~late March. She suggested that when the Executive Committee meets this month, they could discuss this topic further. NEW BUSINESS Northwest Straits Commission Report: Anne Murphy reported that the MRC received an email soliciting topics for regional trainings. John Cambalik provided the idea of "alternatives to shoreline armoring." Murphy encouraged members to submit ideas to her about what they would like to learn more about by January 22,2003. Fred Hill Permit Process: Al Scalf, Director of Community Development of Jefferson County, briefed members on the statutory provisions of the Growth Management Act (GMA) that require counties and cities to plan for coordinated growth and adopt comprehensive plans. Using the following visual aide, he explained some of the differences between legislative and quasi..,judicial decisions. The mineral resource land designation proposed by Fred Hill in the annual amendment cycle of the Compo Plan is a legislative decision that affected only the Compo Plan, amending the map in the Natural Resource section of the plan. It did not grant approval to any specific project application. There was also a legislative decision to implement the Unified Development Code (UDC), making it quasi~judicia1. The GMA 36.70A, Local Project Review Act 36.70B and the Land Use Petition Act 36.70C go hand in hand and provide the full means for anyone wanting to develop in the County. The pit~to-pier project is primarily a Shoreline Master Program issue. Surface mine Marine Resources Committee - January 15,2003 Page: 3 activity is governed through Section 4.2.4, which provides performance standards in cooperation with DNR, who also has statutory basis under RCW 78. Marine Resources Committee - January 15,2003 Page: 4 GMA RCW 36.70A I Compo Plan Aug. 28, '98 I Compo Plan Chapters: (goals, visions, policies) Land Use Environment Natural Resources Housing Economical Development Capital Facilities Transportation Others UDC: (development regulations) Sec. 1 Intro. Sec. 2 Definitions Sec. 3 ESAs Sec. 4 Perfonnance Standards Sec. 5 Shorelines Master Program Sec. 6 Development Standards Sec. 7 Land Division Sec. 8 SEP A Sec. 9 Procedures Sec. 10 Enforcement * MRC possible involvement related to Sections 3, 4, 6, 8 In response to a request from Commissioner Titterness, Al Scalf agreed to forward to the MRC the handout with the list of 15 conditions that the BOCC required as a part of the adoption of the MRL, noting that the conditions would remain in effect as long as the MRL is functioning. Scalf then explained the ladder of progression and authority related to the pit~to·pier project. Once the application comes in Staff makes an administrative recommendation and gives public notice, which provides the opportunity for citizens or organizations to comment on environmental impacts or proposal aspects. As to whether there can be comment on the completeness of the application, Scalf said this would be an administrative decision under 36.70B to be performed within 28 days. Once the application is deemed complete, it is vested to those standards in effect at the date of the application. If there are major amendments to the application, the Code stipulates when it would be considered a revised or new application. Fol1owing the public process, the application goes to the hearing examiner who sits in judgment of the Type 3 application, which would include a conditional use under the Shoreline Master Program. The final decision maker for the pier portion of the conditional use is Ecology. Referring to the handout outlining the FHM proposals and other pending proposals, he reviewed the process, agency involvement and several action alternatives as well as their associated time frames. A county-selected independent consulting firm or team would conduct an ErS over a one~to~three year period and compare and analyze those alternatives. During a brief discussion of what role the MRC might have on this potential application, Andy Palmer suggested the MRC might want to request and review UDC Sections 3, 4, 6 and 8. Al Scalf said the MRC might review some of the alternatives under SEP A and offer observations to environmental reports prior to them going to the hearing examiner. He noted that Fred Hill is expected to finalize the application within the next month. He reviewed the decisions points through the process, noting that there is a SO/50 chance the application would survive administrative (SEP A) review. In response to a question whether the conditions would be monitored by anyone, Scalf noted that two of the enforcement~related conditions call for the County to hire an enforcement officer at the expense of Fred Hill. Jeff Gallant expressed some concern that there may be a point when existing regulations are not enough to protect the environment and the hearing examiner, hands tied by the law, has no choice but to approve. He asked if there is more science that would provide the infonnation necessary to protect the environment. Al Scalf said best available science has been codified and FHM would enter findings that are either consistent with best available science or not. If the hearing examiner feels he does not have adequate evidence or criteria, he could deny the application. Marine Resources Committee - January 15,2003 Page: 5 OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE Administrative and Action Grant Reports: Pat Pearson reported that an annual report on both grants is due at the end of January. The MRC was encouraged to review the report before submittal, specifically providing feedback on failures or successes over the last year. Barbara Nightingale is providing infonnation related to the projects. Pat Pearson agreed to send the draft report to the whole MRC by the 24th with the deadline for comments being January 28. Around the first two weeks of February, she will also solicit work plans and timelines for Year 4 projects. It was noted that a final grant report on the Action Grant is due on April 15. Recognizing that the deadline for submitting a letter of intent on the Year 5 action grant is September 30th, Andy Palmer suggested the MRC consider a time line of July, August and September for developing projects. It was suggested that the MRC not hold an August meeting, recognizing that it is a difficult month to obtain a quorum. BOCC Presentation: There was a suggestion to postpone a presentation to the BOCC until at least March 24. Commissioner Titterness suggested there could be a 30~45 minute basic, brief outline on MRC activities and then detail of one particular project or item of interest. Pat Pearson agreed to contact the Commissioners office about establishing a tentative date near the end of March. It was suggested that in February, the MRC could create an ad hoc committee to work on the presentation. Investigation of Web site System: Spike Hall reported that he, Pat Pearson, Larry Lawson, and David Brader met to explore on-line solutions to issues regarding the listserve and email, which were discussed at the November meeting (tracking email discussion topics, on~line interactive meetings and straw polls on particular topics, and using the same site for ongoing educational activities). Pat commented that the "Blackboard" program seemed easy to use and could streamline MRC business at a cost of about $295/year. An alternative system used by WSU - "Bridge System" - may not be as easy to use. There was support for the MRC holding a 2~3 hr session Saturday morning at WSU where members would explore the software, talk about features that would be the most helpful and then run through a simulated discussion in the computer lab. Pat Pearson agreed to check the WSU calendar for available weekend days for a Blackboard training session. MRC Retreat: There was support for scheduling an MRC retreat on Tuesday, April 8, Thursday, April 10, or Thursday, April 15 from 3:00-8:30 PM. OBSERVER COMMENT - None PREPARE AGENDA / ADJOURN The next meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, February 19,2003 at 7:00 PM in the Madrona Room, Port Hadlock, Washington. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. NORTHWEST STRAITS marine conservation initiative Northwest Straits Commission Meeting UW Friday Harbor Labs, Friday Harbor January 24, 2003 Decisions and Future Agenda Topics Members attending: Buck Meloy, Andrea Copping, Anne Murphy, Duane Fagergren, Kirby Johnson, Kathy Fletcher, Gary Wood, Paul Dinnel, Kevin Ranker, Ed Bowlby (alt.), Harlan James (alt.), Dave Anderson Terry Williams, Mike Stoner Joe Schmitt Jeanne Robinette, Andy Palmer, Dennis Willows Tom Cowan, Sasha Horst Members absent: Alternates attending: Staff: Duane Fagergren, chair, opened the meeting at II :05 and introduced Dennis Willows, director of Friday Harbor Labs and San Juan MRC alternate to the Commission. Dennis Willows welcomed the group to the facility. Tom Cowan introduced the three San Juan County Commissioners, John Bvans, Rhea Miller and Darcie Nielsen. Chair, Rhea Miller welcomed the Commission to San Juan County. The agenda for the meeting was reviewed and one addition was made to add Ginny Broadhurst of the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team to report on MPA Coordination progress. The minutes of the November 22 meeting in Clallam County were approved with the addition of Dave Anderson's update on the meeting with the Captain of the Port ofPuget Sound to support funding the rescue tug in Neah Bay. It was moved and approved bv consensus to appoint Scott McCreery as the alternate for Mike Stoner's position on the Commission. Committee chairs provided their monthly reports. AdministrativelPlanning Committee, chair, Paul Dinnel, reported on the December 9 meeting. MRC grant application issues were discussed, as well as opportunities for receiving a donation of intertidal lands and sponsorship of a creosote log removal project. The strategic planning retreat and mid~tenn report were also discussed. Technical Committee chair, Andrea Copping, requested feedback on meetings with MRC representatives to finalize grant applications and provided an update on the regional MP A benchmark tasks. Education Committee, chair, Kathy Fletcher noted that the committee is looking for a few new members and is working on a second newsletter to come out in the next month. Workshops and education opportunities will be on the next committee agenda. There was no meeting of the Tribal Committee. There was no meeting of the Fundraising Committee. During public comment, Connie Barndt introduced herself as a new staff for Senator Patty Murray's office. Don Ragsdale submitted a letter on behalf of the Griffin Bay Preservation Committee~ John Bvans, a fanner from Orcas Island, commented that he would like to see the Commission and San Juan MRC start an initiative to stop commercial harvest of all species in Georgia Basin. ¡ . ;' Dennis Willows led a tour of the Friday Harbor Laboratories facility, including a newly acquired vessel to be used for research. MRCs have been invited to make use of the research vessel during the next two months. Tina Whitman of Friends of the San Juans, and Jim Slocomb of San Juan MRC, presented infonnation about the San Juan County Forage Fish Program. Included in the presentation was an overview of the project and database system, as well as specific data totals. Next steps in the project include using collected data for on~the-ground projects and mapping eelgrass. On behalf of the Puget Sound Ambient Monitoring Program (PSAMP), Duane Fagergren requested that MRC representatives evaluate the work being done and indicate its overall usefulness. A questionnaire will be sent to MRCs via Tom Cowan for those who are willing to complete the evaluation. Duane also requested that MRC representatives interested in attending the Puget Sound/Georgia Basin Research Conference contact him for scholarship infonnation. A panel of Northwest Straits Initiative representatives will be presenting at the conference, and MRC representatives are encouraged to participate on the panel. Ginny Broadhurst of the Puget Sound Water Quality Action Team provided an update on the MP A coordination effort that is underway. She is compiling infonnation from Washington State as part of an executive order to complete a national inventory of MPAs. There are currently around 100 sites included on the inventory. It is expected that the inventory will be completed in March, and data will be available online soon thereafter. MRC representatives summarized their current MRC activities. Clallam MRC held their monthly meeting this week and had an update on the forage fish project; have changed to monthly rather than bi-monthly monitoring for PSP; are working to complete their 2003 work plan and have updated their MRC member list. Island MRC held elections for the MRC, with Roger Shennan elected as the new vice~chair; will co-sponsor the Sound Waters "one day university" on February 1; have started on their Shore Stewards project; are reviewing a proposal to submit to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board for Maylor's Marsh; finalized their grant application to the Commission; and are completing a year~end report for the County Commissioners. Jefferson MRC presented infonnation on their Anchor Protection Zone to local community groups and the Port Townsend City Council; will give two presentations on derelict fishing gear at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center in January; had a presentation on the proposed Fred Hill pier project. San Juan MRC approved their 2003 work plan; presented forage fish infonnation to groups on Shaw and Waldron Islands, as well as several other community groups; surveyed 19 beaches for forage fish spawning habitat; finalized their MRC grant application. Skagit MRC made a presentation to the County Commissioners; held a public meeting on derelict fishing gear; presented results of their Rapid Shoreline Inventory to Samish Island residents and discussed restoration projects; held elections and elected Jeanne Robinette as the new MRC chair. Snohomish MRC adopted their 2003 work plan; held elections for the MRC and elected Heather McCartney as the new MRC chair; is sending a proposal for use of the UW Friday Harbor Labs research vessel; completed a county-wide marine shoreline survey; completed a draft Dungeness crab stewardship plan for review by the MRC. Whatcom MRC held a successful Marine Summit; trained volunteers for forage fish survey work; fonnally invited the City of Blaine to have a representative on the MRC; will co~sponsor the Drayton Harbor Shellfish open house in January. The Commission meeting was adjourned at 3:00pm. The next meeting will be on February 28 in Whatcom County. Meeting topics should be suggested to Commission staff by February 10.