USA: Comments Sought on Medical Lake’s Shoreline Program

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is seeking public comment on Medical Lake’s proposed comprehensive update of its shoreline master program.

Medical Lake’s locally tailored shoreline program is designed to help minimize environmental damage to shoreline areas, reserve appropriate areas for water-oriented uses, and protect the public’s right to public lands and waters.

The updated shoreline master program will guide construction and development along Medical Lake’s shorelines and portions of West Medical and Silver lakes. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

Medical Lake’s proposed program will:

-Provide shoreline regulations that are integrated with the city’s growth management planning, zoning and critical areas ordinances.

-Preserve and enhance the public park and trail system.

-Apply a restoration plan that coordinates opportunities to improve shoreline habitat and function.

Ecology will accept public comment on the city’s proposed shoreline program through 5 p.m. on April 1, 2013.

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Press Release, March 4, 2013