Montesano and Raymond changing shoreline management practices

Public asked to review and comment on new shoreline programs

Montesano's new Shoreline Master Program affects
the Chehalis and Wynoochie Rivers, Sylvia Lake and
Sylvia Creek.

Two Southwest Washington cities have proposed comprehensive updates to their Shoreline Master Programs. The Washington Department of Ecology is asking the public to review and comment on the proposals before taking action to either approve the programs as submitted or require changes.

Raymond's new Shoreline Master Program affects 20 miles
of shorelines, including Skidmore and Ellis Sloughs, the
Willapa River and the South Fork Willapa River.

The City of Montesano’s proposal would replace its 34-year-old program and address uses along five miles of freshwater shoreline, including the Chehalis and Wynoochee Rivers, Sylvia Lake and Sylvia Creek.

The City of Raymond is replacing its 33-year-old shoreline plan with a proposed master program that will guide uses along 20 miles of river shorelines that includes Skidmore and Ellis sloughs, the Willapa River and the South Fork Willapa River.

The public has until 5 p.m. March 1 to comment on Montesano’s program. The comment period on Raymond’s program ends at 5 p.m. March 9.

Ecology will compare each cities' proposed program to the requirements of the Shoreline Management Act and the Shoreline Master Program Guidelines. Based on the comparison and the comments it receives, Ecology will decide whether to approve the program or ask for changes.

Both cities’ proposed master programs include locally tailored shoreline policies, encourage restoration and provide improved habitat protection measures.

Montesano’s and Raymond’s proposed Shoreline Master Programs can be viewed online. Paper copies can be viewed at Ecology’s Southwest Regional Office, 300 Desmond Dr., Lacey, WA 98577. The cities’ proposals are also available to view at their respective city halls: Montesano, 112 North Main St., Montesano, WA 98563; and Raymond, 300 First St., Raymond, WA 98577.

Comments should be addressed to Ecology’s Kim Van Zwalenburg. Here’s how to submit them:

Mail:      Southwest Regional Office
              PO Box 47775
              Olympia, WA 98504-7775
Email:    kim.vanzwalenburg@ecy.wa.gov
Phone:   360-407-6520

By Dave Bennett, Southwest Region communications