A: The use analysis process: Summarizes data on existing uses (such as fishing, aquaculture, recreation, and shipping); Assesses where those existing uses would interact with potential new uses (such as renewable energy); Informs the development of recommendations. Image is a visual representation of combining data layers into a map series for the use analysis. … Read more »
Posts Categorized: Questions and Answers
Q&A: What is the relationship between MSP and Shoreline Master Programs?
Q: What is the relationship between MSP and Shoreline Master Programs? A: The MSP and SMPs for Washington’s Pacific Coast share many common traits and are compatible planning processes that can be mutually beneficial. The MSP can provide information and analysis on ocean resources and uses and policy recommendations for local shoreline comprehensive updates or… Read more »
Q&A: What’s the process for Washington to use federal consistency to review federal license or federal permit in federal waters?
Q: What’s the process for Washington to use federal consistency to review federal license or federal permit in federal waters? A: Under Washington’s Coastal Zone Management Program, the Washington State Department of Ecology can seek authority to review a federal permit or license activity in federal waters in one of two ways: request approval from… Read more »
Q&A: How do Shoreline Master Programs apply to federal consistency decisions for federal actions in state waters?
Q: How do Shoreline Master Programs apply to federal consistency decisions for federal actions in state waters? A: The Shoreline Management Act contains enforceable policies that have been incorporated into Washington’s CZMP. When a federal action occurs in state waters, the federal consistency review must evaluate how that action is consistent with the enforceable policies… Read more »
Q&A: What is “federal consistency”?
Q: What is “federal consistency”? A: Under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (CZMA), Section 307 is the “federal consistency” provision that gives a coastal state Washington Department of Ecology administers the state’s CZMP and is responsible for implementing the state’s coastal management program and conducting federal consistency reviews. The specific type of… Read more »
Q&A: What is Washington’s coastal zone?
Q: What is Washington’s coastal zone? A: Under its Coastal Zone Management Plan, Washington’s coastal zone covers the full extent of 15 coastal counties, including offshore to 3 nautical miles and all inland areas of the county. Washington’s coastal zone counties are: Clallam, Grays Harbor, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pacific, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit,… Read more »
Q&A: What is the jurisdiction of Washington State and local governments under the Shoreline Management Act?
Q: What is the jurisdiction of Washington State and local governments under the Shoreline Management Act? A: Washington State has jurisdiction in state waters from the shore out to three nautical miles (n.m.). The regulatory function of a local Shoreline Master Program depends on a local jurisdiction’s geographic boundaries. For counties on Washington’s Pacific Coast,… Read more »
Q&A: How does the adaptive management strategy work?
Q: How does the adaptive management strategy work? A: The marine spatial plan uses the best currently available data to make recommendations and guidelines. However, as new data and information about the marine environment and specific project proposals are available, these will need to be considered in marine planning decisions. Significant changes to information could… Read more »
Q&A: Why is there a significant focus on marine renewable energy?
Q: Why is there a significant focus on marine renewable energy? A: Several years ago, developers interested in pursuing marine renewable energy began seeking permits and licenses for this activity for various areas in Washington’s marine waters and elsewhere in the nation. Stakeholders, agencies and others were concerned that there wasn’t process in place… Read more »
Q & A: What are some of the lessons learned from other planning processes?
Q: What are some of the lessons learned from other planning processes? A: In 2009, an international workshop hosted by The Nature Conservancy documented the best practices for healthy ocean planning. Since then, many more lessons have been learned within different regions of the country. Ocean planning best practices include: Using existing boundaries that cover… Read more »
