USA: Ecology Seeks Comments on Oak Harbor Shoreline Program

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) seeks public comment on Oak Harbor’s recently updated shoreline master program.

The proposed updated shoreline program will guide construction and development on the city’s 13 miles of marine shorelines. The city’s proposed Shoreline Master Program consists of unique shoreline environment designations, buffers and setbacks. It combines local plans for future development and preservation with new development ordinances and related permitting requirements.

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

Under Washington’s 1972 voter-approved Shoreline Management Act, Ecology must review and approve Oak Harbor’s proposed shoreline program before it takes effect. About 190 cities and counties statewide are in the process or soon will be updating or crafting their master programs.

Ecology will accept public comment on Oak Harbor’s proposed shoreline program until 5 p.m. on April 8, 2013.

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Press Release, March 6, 2013