HomeMy WebLinkAbout031124 - SMP comments from Gordon King T7l"y
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I have been part of the Jefferson County SMP update process for well over three years now and it is / I; �{
evident to me that I have wasted my time. C16 rc�toy� I� J
Points to consider:
• Shellfish aquaculture has a history of well over 125 years in Jefferson County and has not been
the cause of degradation of our environment. Ask Mike Dawson who runs the Jefferson County
Clean Water District (CWD) why we have the CWD, which brings in hundreds of thousands of
dollars annually to further support clean water work. It is an entity that is created when shellfish
growing waters' cleanliness is threatened.
• Urban development with its roads vegetation removal and polluting vehicles is well documented
as a degrader of our native environment.Yet the BOCC has chosen a path which supports and
encourages waterfront development over shellfish farming.
• Waterfront property owners want the aquaculture section of the Jeffco SMP to be consistent
with neighboring counties especially Clallam and Kitsap. In the past neither county has been
supportive of shellfish aquaculture,this is evident by the paucity of productive farms in their
jurisdictions. In comparison Mason County has a more Shellfish friendly SMP and has many acres
of shellfish farming and literally hundreds of jobs to show for it. Despite this the BOCC is
choosing to be consistent with Kitsap and Clallam and ignore Mason County's example.
• Many claims also have been made that aquaculture especially geoduck farming is harmful to the
environment.These claims are opinions not backed by facts and science. In contrast the industry
has provided the county with scientific opinions and research studies showing that geoduck
farming's impacts are benign. Inexplicably the Commissioners have given credence to the
waterfront property owners and don't seem to be questioning the inaccurate claims they are
making. As an example, I am happy to send you a breakdown of Jan Wold's accusations and
provide references as to why they are in general inaccurate opinions not facts.
• Geoduck farming in Jefferson County is the only shoreline activity that requires a full CUP. I was
told by Josh Peters that other shoreline activities e.g. marinas etc., have not had their status
changed by legislation so the SMP update cannot address their permitting requirements.Yet
when I look at the draft SMP I see that in many cases the permitting burden has been eased for
these other activities.
• In this forum I have heard the Commissioners say they are very supportive of shellfish
aquaculture. Be very clear,that if the aquaculture section of the SMP is enacted in its present
form, the shellfish industry will see that you are not supportive of shellfish aquaculture and local
food production.You may be content to deceive yourselves, but your actions send a very clear
message to the industry.
• The proposed changes will stifle new shellfish aquaculture and innovation, especially smaller
growers with less resources.
I am disappointed and had hoped for better from this commission.