Minutes
March 1, 2006
Members Present: Laura Arnold, Michael Durland, Ron Hendrickson, (Alan) Skeet Lowe, David Loyd, Mary Masters, Victoria Parker, Howie Rosenfeld, Ken Sebens, Joy Sevier, Jim Slocomb, Jonathan White, Tina Whitman
Staff: Jody Kennedy, Helen Venada
Absent: Terrie Klinger, Kit Rawson
Guests: Stephanie Buffum, Joanruth Bauman, Kirsten Evans, Kat Fennel, Mike Kaill, Kevin Ranker,
Jacques White
Presenter: Brian Williams, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Vice Chair Mary Masters called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. in the Community Room at Islanders Bank Annex, Friday Harbor.
Minutes:
Minutes of the 2/15/06 meeting were approved with the correction on page 1, 2nd line under “Mooring Buoys,” that “Westsound” be changed to “Deer Harbor.”
Jody reminded members that they had agreed to track their volunteer hours at the first meeting of each month. She circulated a list for members to fill in.
Presentation on the Hydraulic Permit Approval (HPA) process:
Mary said that Brian Williams’ presentation on WDFW’s shoreline development permitting process is very timely since the Critical Areas Ordinance update is looming, the MSA conservation planning work is in progress now, and the MRC is headed for some policy recommendations for the Shared salmon strategy in the near future. She said an overview of the HPA process would be very helpful so that the MRC’s work can either complements or converges with that of the WDFW.
Brian explained that the HPA process is WDFW’s regulatory arm per RCW 77.65.021, which states that any work in the water that may change or alter the flow or bed of the water is required to get an HPA. WDFW’s jurisdiction is “ordinary high water,” a mark upon the shore that is basically the storm tide (not extreme). Brian distributed copies of a handout describing “ordinary high water;” he added that WDFW’s definition is 1 to 1-1/2 feet higher than the Army Corps of Engineers’ jurisdiction. Brian said that the code does allow jurisdiction up into the riparian zone if a clear connection can be drawn between what is happening there and impacts to fish life. He added that he only deals with protection of fish life, using best available science. Docks, mooring buoys, bulkheads, groins, ferry terminals, beach enhancements are all covered by the agency. WDFW has a mitigation policy to implement the Code with the objective that there be no net loss (i.e. status quo) and through the Governor’s office the agency has a policy to be able to work towards that objective.
“Experimental” docks require specific mitigation with monitoring by the owner. Most docks in the San Juans are permitted, Brian said, and this is where the eelgrass is. Since WDFW no longer has a research arm it does not have the ability to research the impact of each dock or float. There are 20 different variables affecting eelgrass so that the agency’s study of 11 docks, 8’ wide, was inconclusive. A new restriction in the permit is that no more 8’ docks can be installed over eelgrass or in herring spawn habitat areas in San Juan County. Brian said that the Friends of the San Juans did a great job capturing data on beaches with eelgrass.
He said that each agency with shoreline jurisdiction has to look at its authority and decide what constitutes a sound regional decision process.
There was discussion on the application of best available science in local dock permitting decisions.
A meeting with Brian will continue at the Friends’ office at 11 am today.
Work Session on 5-S Human Benefits Target:
Kirsten Evans distributed copies of the memo, “Results from the October Stakeholders Workshop.” She said that the ad hoc subcommittee has been working to refine this target. She asked the MRC to review the attributes and indicators, to come up with an assessment of their current status, and to identify the top threats.
Kirsten explained that the recommendation was made that this target be divided into two targets: “Enjoyment of the marine environment” and “Thriving marine-based livelihoods.” There was discussion on Jonathan’s suggestion to add an indicator under quality of boating experience: availability of quiet time. Kirsten said that March 13th is the desired deadline for completion of this work; there will be follow-up by the sub-committee (Jim, Howie, Jonathan, Victoria, Laura) and further email discussion. Jacques noted that the more developed the targets’ work is, the better for the marine managers.
Reports:
Jody said that Tom Cowan is retiring as the NWSC Director. Comments are being sought on the position description. Jody said the mooring buoy letter from the MRC was presented to the County Council who expressed concern but no action was taken. There was discussion on where the MRC fits in the new political picture of the County.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 am.
Submitted by Helen Venada
