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HomeMy WebLinkAbout012924 Apology Accepted (SMP Correspondence Davis-Showalter)ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Thank you, Joth Davis, for your very gracious apology--Marilyn cc: Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Marilyn Showalter 1596 Shine Rd Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 259-1700 (cell) marilyn.showalter@gmail.com <mailto:marilyn.showalter@gmail.com> On Sat, Jan 27, 2024 at 1:32 PM Joth Davis <jothpdavis@gmail.com <mailto:jothpdavis@gmail.com> > wrote: Dear Commissioners: My name is Jonathan P. Davis. I reside at 10610 NE Manitou Park Blvd., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110. I am responding to comments submitted to the County by Ms. Marilyn Showalter on January 21, 2024. These were made in response to my letter to the County dated January 9, 2024 in response to the the JEFFCO SMP Revision. I have wrestled with the decision to respond for several days but recognize that the value of public input on issues associated with local governance are too important in this day and age of political and philosophical difference on a range of topics impacting our everyday lives - to not respond. First, I wish to apologize to the Commissioners and especially the people contributing to the Shine neighborhood group, including Ms. Showalter in their efforts among others to effect greater regulatory scrutiny over geoduck farming in Jefferson County waters. I was wrong to describe the Shine Neighborhood Association as I did. At the end of the day, I take Ms. Showalter's word that she along with others associated with the effort are acting in good faith and are contributing their time and expertise to work with the County to develop guidance that benefits the public interest. I was sorry to see that my comments clearly contributed to an escalation of words that was sadly personal in nature. At the end of the day we all live in glass houses of one kind or another. Second, I was inaccurate in my comment regarding Mason County’s requirements for a CUP regarding exemptions for “conversions”. If Jefferson County adopted language similar to Mason County, I believe the sea farming community working in Jefferson County waters would find this language satisfactory. Third, I have done further research since the last meeting and learned that indeed the larger shellfish companies culturing geoduck clams in Washington State, including Jefferson County are in fact turning to multiple use, single vexar mesh sleeves - among other approaches - but that this is not the case for all growers. I stand by the information I provided in my letter regarding ecosystem services provided by shellfish including geoduck, along with my comments regarding employment and the contribution to clean water provided by shellfish. We know that Hood Canal suffers from nitrogen loading - especially in the southern part of the water body that has contributed to episodes of low dissolved oxygen and multiple fish kills. The uptake and removal of nitrogen at harvest by shellfish contributes to reducing overall nutrient loading, especially in nutrient sensitive water bodies and especially in nearshore regions where tidal flushing may be reduced. Is shellfish farming the ultimate solution to nutrient loading in the County? No, but it can help reduce local eutrophication on and serve as a buffer for large home developments, golf courses, etc.located near the water from contributing to local nutrification. The shellfish industry's laser focus on maintaining County waters safe for shellfish consumption is a hallmark here in Washington State. This is not the case nationwide where depuration of shellfish can be required because water quality has declined due to nutrient loading, unchecked pollution among other problems. Here in Washington State we have an ethic that assists to place the preservation of water quality very high in the public’s mind. This ethic contributes to the public’s ongoing capacity to safely harvest shellfish from private and public beaches and otherwise enjoy the resources Puget Sound provides. I believe it is also important to emphasize that shellfish growers by and large enjoy producing some of the best seafood in the nation. We are out there year-round working to make a living from the sea while contributing to the economic well-being in rural Jefferson County. This is no different than the economic and social values that terrestrial farming communities that exist throughout the County bring to the public. Along with oysters and clams, geoducks contribute significantly to the economic viability of shellfish farming especially in this day of escalating costs associated with permitting, land, equipment - all during a time we are witnessing a rapidly changing environment due to climate change. I am not complaining…. I love what I do and I believe as a sea farmer I am contributing to the economic and social wellbeing of the County. As new waterfront homes are built and folks retire to their existing homes, there will only be more potential for conflict. It is also encumbent on the shellfish farming community to be responsive to issues as they arise including compaints about marine debris, noise and other concerns as they inevidebly arise. However, the County’s direction for the SMP revision appears focused on increasing permitting and operational regulations specific to shellfish farming, including geoduck. I embrace the fact that the County concurrently considers the water dependent use and value of shellfish farming to the County rural employment base. From my understanding the County already has the regulatory machinery largely in place. Proposed Jefferson County changes, compared to other rural WA counties with a long history of shellfish farming (unlike Kitsap County) but similar geography, population and tax base, seem redundant and/or unnecessarily onerous to folks wishing to get involved. My wish is not to impede the public process but simply help to make it fair & transparent and accessable so that the next generation of shellfish farmers have a fair go at making a living from the sea. Thank you for your consideration. Best wishes, Joth Davis 10610 NE Manitou Park Blvd. Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 206-799-7691 Now is our time to open the heart and lean into the unknown...