Experts to Speak on “Sound Shoreline Science”

June 4 on Orcas Island from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall

From the Friends of the San Juans

A free educational public forum about the importance of healthy shorelines will be hosted June 4 on Orcas Island from 1-3:30 p.m. at the Eastsound Fire Hall. The forum will help provide information to the public at the time that the San Juan County Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is being updated.

The forum will feature two speakers: Jim Brennan, Marine Habitat Specialist with Washington Sea Grant, will describe the importance of trees and vegetation in the shoreline; and Lola Flores, Research Analyst with Earth Economics, will discuss the economic value of the shorelines in terms of ecosystem goods and services.

“This forum will help synthesize what we know about the ecosystem, show how science can contribute to effective management of the shorelines and where citizens and local communities can make an impact,” said Hilary Franz, Executive Director of Futurewise.

The San Juan County Shoreline Master Program is currently in front of the Planning Commission for review. There is plenty of time for the community to get involved before the Council holds its hearing on this matter later in the year. The Sound Science forum offers residents an opportunity to learn about the science behind shoreline master programs.

The SMP regulates the use of shorelines. SMPs must protect the natural character of the shoreline, promote public access and enjoyment of the shoreline, and plan for and foster reasonable and appropriate uses of the shoreline including family-wage jobs supported by the maritime industry.

“Protecting our shorelines is good for our economy and our environment. Our visitors contributed over $158.5 million to our local economy last year. They come here with an investment backed expectation -to see fish and wildlife in the wild,” said Stephanie Buffum, Executive Director of FRIENDS of the San Juans.

This forum is sponsored by Futurewise and FRIENDS of the San Juans. For more information and to register, go to futurewise.org/action/SanJuanForums.

Reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities and special needs who contact Kate at kate@futurewise.org or 360-306-5708.

Futurewise is a statewide nonprofit organization that promotes healthy communities and cities while protecting working farms, forests and habitat.

FRIENDS of the San Juans is a local nonprofit organization with a mission to protect the land, water, sea and livability of the San Juan Islands through science, education, stewardship and advocacy.

The forums are partially funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, through agreements with Washington State Puget Sound Partnership and the Puget Sound Marine and Nearshore Grant Program, a partnership between Washington Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources.