The Shoreline Master Program update process is winding to a close, with a limited opportunity to improve the plan before it is adopted. The Dept. of Ecology is in final negotiations with Okanogan County over required and recommended changes to the draft SMP passed by the County in 2015.

While some of our concerns have been addressed by the new Commissioners, there is a glaring problem remaining: 4,400 acres of lake and riverfront shoreline lost protection between a previous draft (2011) and the current draft.

The map above shows the affected areas in the Methow Valley in red. These areas of mostly intact, high-functioning shoreline were previously designated “Riverine,” and required building setbacks of up to 150 feet from the water. In 2015, the areas in red were re-designated “Rural,” and the current SMP setbacks for that designation are only 75 feet – half the protection. The science used to justify these changes is questionable.

MVCC has advocated to DOE and the County for a simple designation change that would restore protection to the areas that most need it. Since public comment will not be taken before the SMP is approved, the only way to make the change now is if the County Commissioners recommend it in their negotiations with DOE.

We need your help!  Contact Okanogan County Commissioners today and tell them to restore protection to the Shorelines by re-designating the “Lost Riverine” acres to “Conservancy,” as we have recommended.