A treasure for the League as guardian of our shorelines, Ann Aagard continues to follow the current efforts of the Department of Ecology as it generates the rules that will frame the update to the Shoreline Protection Act. While labeled “guidelines,” these guidelines are mandatory requirements of the planning departments in King, Snohomish, Pierce and Kitsap counties. Cynthia Stewart, lead environmental lobbyist, appointed Ann to the task of representing the League in the process. Ann will have attended all four public hearings. The final public meeting is on December 16th. If interested, send an
email to the Washington State Department of Ecology. The rules will be formalized in March, then available at four public meetings for comment before being adopted in the fall of 2026.
Prior to the process launch in September, Ann met with a group of environmental partners, including Futurewise, Sierra Club, Pilchuck Audubon, Washington Environmental Council, and others to send a letter to the Department of Ecology. The letter emphasized the coalition’s priority of “No Net Loss” and “net ecological gain” whenever possible. It also listed eight to 10 other expectations for the rule making.
The Department of Ecology especially liked their emphasis on Vegetation Conservation. The coalition asked for clarification of the term “avoidance.” Another vague and damaging concern is that of “emergency construction.” Without proper enforcement, it often leads to noncompliant structures. Earnest attention is being paid to sea level rise.
Much discussion has also occurred around the Sackett Decision’s reducing federal restrictions on wetland protections. Ann felt that we remain in a strong position in Washington with our wetland protection laws. She was adamant that we forever insist that no amendments or changes ever be made to RCW 90.58, the rule that established the Shoreline Management Act and that requires local governments to plan and protect their shorelines.
Ann’s full presentation is available at the LWV.snoho.org YouTube
webpage.
Next Meeting: Field trip Friday, December 5th, 11:00 A.M., to Evergreen Arboretum, 145 Alverson Blvd., Everett, with lunch to follow at The Sisters on 2804 Grand Ave., Everett.