How can we support a fully protected, longterm stewardship of our shoreline and marine life? We can move into a “first do no harm,” practical approach. Policies which currently fail to improve our wetlands, marine life and shoreline stewardship, can be changed. We are currently in the window of opportunity: the Shoreline Management Act is in revision now, due to be completed in 2013. Better options will emerge, because they exist.

Most of us may not yet know enough to make specific recommendations for what is ecologically possible today. But we can learn. Visit ccrm.vims.edu/livingshorelines/ for a simple tour of due diligence. Our current reserve of natural, finite resources must be supported to thrive, if we expect to recover drinkable water, let alone species preservation, for our children.

I believe the process of public and private engagement is shifting. Everyone who lives here, goes to school here, and works here has a voice. Your voice matters. With correct information and intention, we can re-commission our County’s resources where needed, with thoughtful expediency.

I wasn’t raised to be an advocate for environmental issues. I’ve stumbled into this advocacy gradually, in response to my children’s practical questions about how to stop plastic bags from filling the bellies of turtles or the plastic rings from six-packs throttling our water fowl. If we are committed to having beautiful, living shorelines in perpetuity, then now is the time to state this.  Please share your suggestions this week with Colin Maycock, via email: colinm@sanjuanco.com. The 14th has been selected as a pivotal day to be heard on this issue.

Morgan Meadows
Eastsound

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