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Skagit County extends application deadline for Shoreline Master Program Advisory Committee

SKAGIT COUNTY - The Skagit County Board of Commissioners have extended the deadline to submit a letter of interest for the Shoreline Master Program Advisory Committee from Thursday, March 31 to Monday, April 18 at 4:30 p.m.

Skagit County is seeking letters of interest from individuals to serve on an advisory committee to guide development of the Skagit County Shoreline Master Program (SMP). The SMP provides environmental protection for shorelines, preserves and enhances public access, and encourages appropriate development that supports water-oriented uses.

The update process will include an inventory; environmental and land use analysis; shoreline policies, environment designation and use regulations; cumulative impacts and use analysis; a shoreline restoration plan; and a formal adoption process that includes Washington State Department of Ecology approval. Skagit County, in partnership with the Towns of Lyman and Hamilton, is updating its SMP in accordance with the State Shoreline Management Act.
The 11-15 member Shoreline Advisory Committee (SAC) will review and provide input on technical documents created to support the development of the SMP as well as on draft SMP policies and regulations. The SAC will provide recommendations to County planning staff and consultants, the Planning Commission, and ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners.

The Skagit County Commissioners are seeking interested and affected parties who represent diverse perspectives including timber, agriculture, business, fish, wildlife, recreation, etc. Members will be expected to make a commitment to monthly meetings for a 12 to 15 month period, and review technical information both in advance of and following advisory committee meetings. The first meeting is expected to occur in May 2011.
Citizens interested in serving on the advisory committee are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest describing their background, interest, and reasons for wanting to serve on the committee.

Letters of interest are now due by 4:30 p.m. on April 18, 2011, and should be submitted to Linda Hammons, Clerk of the Board, 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, or lindah@co.skagit.wa.us. Application material and other information related to the County's SMP Update process is available on the County's web site at www.skagitcounty.net/SMP.

For more information, contact Betsy Stevenson, Skagit County Planning and Development Services, at (360) 336-9410 ext. 5879 or betsyds@co.skagit.wa.us.