Green Shorelines: Multi-Agency Coordination to Encourage Shoreline Enhancement Through Voluntary and Policy Approaches

Puget Sound shorelines have historically provided a diversity of habitats that support a variety of aquatic resources throughout the region. These valued natural resources are iconic to the region and remain central to both the economic vitality and community appreciation of Puget Sound. Deterioration of upland and nearshore shoreline habitats have placed severe stress on many aquatic resources within the region.

Since a majority of Washington State shorelines are privately owned, regulatory authority to legislate restoration on private property is limited in scope and frequency. Washington States’ Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) requires local jurisdictions to plan for appropriate future shoreline uses. Under the Act, future development can be regulated to protect existing ecological functions, but lost functions cannot be restored without purchase or compensation of restored areas. Therefore, questions remain as to the ecological resilience of the region when considering cumulative effects of existing/ongoing shoreline development constrained by limited shoreline restoration opportunities.

In light of these questions, this presentation will explore opportunities for multi-agency coordination to promote restoration on privately owned shorelines within the Puget Sound region, and integrate these activities with ongoing regulatory updates. These efforts are intended to promote more efficient ecosystem management and improve ecosystem-wide ecological functions.