**This information comes from advocacy work at the state level to protect shorelines in our state. (League of Women Voters of Washington Shoreline Positions adopted 2023).**
League representatives are actively engaged with environmental and citizen interest groups reviewing and responding to the proposed Department of Ecology Guidelines. We encourage Local Leagues and our members to participate and comment on these draft DOE Shoreline Guidelines.
To engage fully, League members are invited to attend “Finding Your Civic Voice,” an online workshop hosted by Whidbey Environmental Action Network (WEAN) in early October (date TBD).
You will be trained in how to provide effective, personally meaningful comment that can be submitted to DOE in writing or orally. Contact
Autumn to request participation.
SMP Guidelines are actually binding state agency rules, and shoreline master program updates and amendments must comply with these rules. The first updates for King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap Counties and their incorporated cities are required by 2029.
Here is the update and schedule from the Department of Ecology:
Update: The proposed Shoreline draft guidelines will be posted on Department of Ecology website on September 2nd. SMA rulemaking@ecy.wa.gov.
- SMP Guidelines are actually binding state agency rules, and shoreline master program updates and amendments must comply with these rules.
- The comment period will run from September 2 at 12:00 A.M. to November 17 at 11:59 P.M.
- The easiest way to comment is online.
- There is also a mail-in option and an in-person option (not local to Snohomish County).
For more information, contact
Ann, our LWVWA representative.