What's New

Futurewise v. Anacortes case - Updated October 19, 2009 - Local governments are considering what actions to take regarding application of their Critical Areas Ordinances (CAOs) within shoreline jurisdiction following the recent Washington State Supreme Court decision in the “Anacortes” case. The Departments of Ecology and Commerce (formerly CTED) have reviewed the Court's decision and offer guidance. Read More...

What You Can Do to Prepare for Winter Weather - Winter weather can be challenging to us personally, and our actions can also be hard on our air and water resources. Learn what you can do to help reduce seasonal pollutants.

Green River Information - Ecology's Preparation and Response Plan for Green River Flooding.

Frequently Asked Questions for SMPs - “Shoreline master programs” (SMPs) are the cornerstone for carrying out the Shoreline Management Act. Under state law, Washington’s 266 towns, cities and counties that have shoreline areas covered under the Act must develop these individual, locally-tailored programs to guide construction and development in regulated shoreline areas.

Final wetland mitigation bank rule adopted - Ecology adopted a new rule for wetland mitigation banks on September 3, 2009. The purpose of the rule is to provide an efficient, predictable framework to certify, operate, and monitor wetland mitigation banks across the state.

2009 Amendments to the SMA and GMA - Several bills amending the Shoreline Management Act (SMA) and the Growth Management Act (GMA) were signed into law by the Governor at the end of the 2009 legislative session. Below is a description of each bill and a link to the Legislature’s bill summary. Note: Each of these amendments goes into effect July 26, 2009.

Geoduck Aquaculture - Information on aquaculture issues including links to the Shellfish Aquaculture Regulatory Committee activity and reports.

WCC forms Energy Corps - The Washington Conservation Corps is building upon our success by forming the Energy Corps. This new program will allow us to provide high quality teams to local Community Action Councils and others, in order to increase capacity to implement the Obama administration's stimulus package weatherization initiative.