Mark Plackett
WCMAC Citizen Seat
Mark and his wife, Holly, have been married over forty years and run a business together in Ocean Shores called Plackett Enterprises. He works as a consultant in business-to-business services for a wide variety of clients, including government agencies, military, manufacturing companies, and unions. Mark sits on the Grays Harbor County Marine Resources Committee and volunteers for the Shared Marketing Group in Ocean Shores. Mark uses his facilitation skills and extensive network to represent various interests as the citizen seat on the WCMAC.
What does Marine Spatial Planning mean to you?
People that make policy decisions need to have current science and economic information to make good decisions. This includes city planners, state agency representatives, and even the Washington State Legislature. Important scientific and economic information has been gathered for the MSP and I’m hoping the process uses that information to provide a clear picture of what impacts could occur in specific locations due to management decisions.
How did you get involved and why are you involved in the planning process?
I’ve been involved in MSP since attending a workshop on the topic at the Grays Harbor College in late 2009. Shortly after, I was invited to join the Grays Harbor Marine Resources Committee and have been learning about MSP and coastal community priorities ever since. I firmly believe that stakeholders (and good science) need to be involved in these types of decisions and discussions.
What do you hope the WCMAC can accomplish with the Washington Marine Spatial Plan?
The WCMAC provides an opportunity to pull a lot of information together such as the best available science and economic information. The MSP website provides a forum for decision makers and policy makers to find relevant information that can be used when a permit or proposal is considered.
Anything else interesting about you?
As a working member of a local Chamber of Commerce, I am very interested in the economic strengths of the Washington coastal communities and the tourism that fuels much of our economic well-being.