John,

The Shoreline Management Act (SMA) forms a cornerstone of environmental protection in Washington State, protecting people, supporting healthy habitats for wildlife, and upholding Tribal Treaty Rights. In 1972, WCA helped pass this law to protect vital shoreline habitats, which act as nurseries for young salmon and support healthy shellfish beds.

Climate change is already here. In coming years, sea levels will rise and storms will become more severe in the coming years. That means the 28,000 miles of Washington State shorelines must be managed differently in the future to protect people and nature alike.

Today, we need your help to ensure this law keeps our state's shorelines healthy.

The Department of Ecology is now accepting comments on their draft language, which directs local governments to plan for sea level rise and increased storm severity in Shoreline Master Programs required by the Shoreline Management Act. This update is critical to create consistent directives to 39 counties and 220 municipalities.

Submit your comment now!

These regulations help ensure the protection of natural resources and critically important ecosystems that support salmon populations and our beloved Southern Resident orca while simultaneously ensuring that shoreline developments are safe, sustainable, and protect humans from sea-level rise, flooding, and erosion.

Now is the time to act. The comment period closes August 15.

Thanks for all your continued advocacy,

Robinson Low (he/him)
Habitat Policy Senior Manager, Washington Conservation Action