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Shoreline Master Program Update: Planning Commission and Visioning Workshop. Coulee City, Electric City, and Grand Coulee September 10, 2012. Agenda. Introductions Meeting Overview What is a Shoreline Master Program (SMP)? Frequently Asked Questions Shoreline Overview
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Shoreline Master Program Update: Planning Commission and Visioning Workshop Coulee City, Electric City, and Grand CouleeSeptember 10, 2012
Agenda • Introductions • Meeting Overview • What is a Shoreline Master Program (SMP)? • Frequently Asked Questions • Shoreline Overview • What are your future visions for shorelines? • Identify potential issues • Other Questions & Comments
What is a SMP? Shoreline Management Act (SMA) RCW 90.58 To prevent harm caused by uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state’s major shorelines Shoreline Master Program (SMP) Guidelines WAC 127-26 SMP--Carries out provisions of SMA Must be approved by Dept. of Ecology, using policy of RCW 90.58.020 and Guidelines as approval standards/criteria
Key Principles of the SMP • Balance • Environmental protection • Public access • Water-oriented uses • Preferred Uses • No Net Loss of Ecological Function Residential aerial photo courtesy of fortress.wa.gov
Steps and Status SMP - Environment Designations - Goals - Policies - Regulations Local Adoption Cumulative Impacts Analysis Inventory & Analysis Determine Jurisdiction Restoration Plan Public Participation Ecology Review and Adoption
Shoreline Jurisdiction • Stream flows ≥ 20 cubic feet per second • Lakes ≥ 20 acres • Upland areas 200 feet from ordinary high water mark • Floodways and adjacent floodplain area • Associated wetlands
Inventory Topics • Priority Habitats/Species and Fish Distribution • Vegetation • Shoreline Ecological Function • Restoration Opportunities
Inventory Topics • Impervious Surfaces • Shoreline Modifications • Public Access • 303d Listed Waters and Permitted Sites • Reach Map
SMP Contents • Environment Designations • General Provisions • e.g., critical areas, flood hazard reduction, public access, vegetation conservation • Shoreline Modifications • e.g., shoreline stabilization, dredging • Shoreline Uses • e.g., residential, recreational, transportation
Shoreline Jurisdiction and Inventory Coulee City Shoreline Area = 47 acres Major Features • Public Access – significant access exists • Shoreline Use – Recreation • Ecological Function – Riparian and wetland vegetation, upland shrub-steppe Stressors • Recreation development and usage
Shoreline Jurisdiction and Inventory Electric City Shoreline Area = 163 acres Major Features • Public Access – significant access exists • Ownership – mix of public and private • Shoreline Use – Recreation, residential, water dependent • Ecological Function – Riparian and wetland vegetation, upland shrub-steppe Stressors • Causeway, resort and recreation development, armoring, residential development
Shoreline Jurisdiction and Inventory Grand Coulee Shoreline Area • Banks Lake = 25 acres • Lake Roosevelt = 20 acres • Crescent Bay = 36 acres Major Features • Public Access – significant access exists • Ownership – all publically owned • Shoreline Use – Recreation • Ecological Function – Riparian and wetland vegetation, upland shrub-steppe Stressors: CBP infrastructure, armoring, recreation
Restoration Plan Types of Opportunities Restoration Actions • Important for no net loss and improvement • Can include watershed or lake-level improvements • Can include program and voluntary actions • Can serve as source of required mitigation measures when there are shoreline impacts • Address possible water quality contaminant sources • Evaluate potential for soft shoreline bank stabilization • Evaluate riparian enhancement
Visioning Questions • How do you currently use the shorelines? • What additional or improved public access could be provided? • What future uses you would like to see along the shorelines? • What shoreline areas / functions should be Protected? Restored?
Contact Keep Informed • Attend public meetings and workshops • Learn about Benton City’s shoreline • Ask questions and provide comments • www.co.grant.wa.us/Community%20Development/Planning/index.htm