Shoreline Master Program Updates for Pacific County

In Washington State, any county or city that has a shoreline is required by state law to develop a plan to manage those shorelines in order to preserve ecological functions, offer public access, and ensure businesses that require water access aren’t squeezed out. Over the last decade all counties and municipalities in Washington State have been required to update their Shoreline Master Plans (SMPs). The last couple of years Surfrider has supported and been an active participant in the process to update the SMPs in Grays Harbor and Pacific Counties, advocating for public access, planning for Sea Level Rise, and protection of our natural resources.

Updating these plans take considerable time and effort. The Pacific County update started in 2014 and had robust public participation with numerous citizens and stakeholders contributing dozens of volunteer hours. Once a solid draft plan was finalized, it was reviewed by the planning commission and approved by the county commissioners. The approved plan was then reviewed by the Washington State Department of Ecology, who offered several changes, some of which were required while others were suggested. In December, those changes were agreed upon by both sides and on January 17th, 2018 the new Shoreline Master Plan took effect.