Presentation Abstract
Shoreline stabilization is a significant management challenge within the Puget Sound region. Alternative soft shoreline stabilization techniques have been identified as a preferred way to minimize ecological impacts to Puget Sound nearshore habitat associated with shoreline stabilization. The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) updated policies that set a preference for soft stabilization. Local jurisdictions are currently incorporating updated shoreline stabilization regulations into their local Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs). However, the familiarity and prevalence of traditional hard armoring methods make it a challenge for local jurisdictions to implement soft shoreline stabilization projects. Therefore, Ecology is creating guidance to assist local jurisdictions planning for and implementing soft stabilization techniques, particularly for single-family shoreline properties. This guidance is one of the first from Ecology related to SMP implementation. The guidance is intended to: describe the soft shoreline stabilization concept, provide examples for how to plan for soft shorelines, review key points for permitting soft stabilization, and give examples demonstrating how to prioritize soft shoreline implementation efforts. The use of this guidance is intended to advance the implementation of soft shoreline stabilization and minimize cumulative impacts on nearshore habitats through SMP administration. This presentation will give an overview of Ecology’s soft shoreline stabilization guidance, discuss early feedback from local jurisdiction staff, and share next steps for outreach and engagement.
Session Title
Session S-08H: Incentives, Guidance and Collaboration for Greener Shorelines
Conference Track
Social Science Plus
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2-5-2014 8:30 AM
End Date
2-5-2014 10:00 AM
Location
Room 607
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Shorelines--Monitoring--Washington (State)--Puget Sound--Government policy
Subjects – Names (LCNAF)
Washington (State). Department of Ecology
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Puget Sound (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Creating Guidance to Address Shoreline Master Program Policies for Alternative Shoreline Stabilization
Room 607
Shoreline stabilization is a significant management challenge within the Puget Sound region. Alternative soft shoreline stabilization techniques have been identified as a preferred way to minimize ecological impacts to Puget Sound nearshore habitat associated with shoreline stabilization. The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) updated policies that set a preference for soft stabilization. Local jurisdictions are currently incorporating updated shoreline stabilization regulations into their local Shoreline Master Programs (SMPs). However, the familiarity and prevalence of traditional hard armoring methods make it a challenge for local jurisdictions to implement soft shoreline stabilization projects. Therefore, Ecology is creating guidance to assist local jurisdictions planning for and implementing soft stabilization techniques, particularly for single-family shoreline properties. This guidance is one of the first from Ecology related to SMP implementation. The guidance is intended to: describe the soft shoreline stabilization concept, provide examples for how to plan for soft shorelines, review key points for permitting soft stabilization, and give examples demonstrating how to prioritize soft shoreline implementation efforts. The use of this guidance is intended to advance the implementation of soft shoreline stabilization and minimize cumulative impacts on nearshore habitats through SMP administration. This presentation will give an overview of Ecology’s soft shoreline stabilization guidance, discuss early feedback from local jurisdiction staff, and share next steps for outreach and engagement.
