Restoration Planning

STEP 2 - "Characterizing" the Shoreline Ecological Functions

The characterization of ecological functions related to the shoreline natural resources is the required focus for restoration planning (and it forms the focus for overall protection of ecological functions). Accordingly, this characterization of the shoreline must occur before a master program is updated, and before a master program can be approved.

WAC 173-26-201(3)(d)(i) describes how to analyze or “characterize” the shorelines based on the information gathered during the inventorying process. This section directs local government though this critical step that precedes any amendment or writing of new regulations. Specifically, this section provides that “local governments shall analyze the information gathered in [173-26-201(3)](c) of this subsection” and then "address the topics below":

1. Characterization of functions and ecosystem-wide processes.

1. Prepare a characterization of shoreline ecosystems and their associated ecological functions. The characterization consists of three steps:

1. Identify the ecosystem-wide processes and ecological functions based on the list in (d)(i)(C) of this subsection that apply to the shoreline(s) of the jurisdiction.
2. Assess the ecosystem-wide processes to determine their relationship to ecological functions present within the jurisdiction and identify which ecological functions are healthy, which have been significantly altered and/or adversely impacted and which functions may have previously existed and are missing based on the values identified in (d)(i)(D) of this subsection; and
3. Identify specific measures necessary to protect and/or restore the ecological functions and ecosystem-wide processes.

This subsection then provides a substantial and thorough listing of the known ecological functions of shoreline ecosystems. This list of relevant functions is organized by the various types of shorelines that a local government might manage under the Act: marine, riverine, lakes, and wetlands. The list of functions and ecological processes are organized around some basic types of functions to promote a more uniform approach to analysis and characterization across all jurisdictions, and thus better ensure that master program policies and regulations address the proper ecological factors. The basic groupings of functions for each type of shoreline include:

• hydrologic functions (water and sediment movement and flow patterns),
• shoreline vegetation (functions with temperature, nutrient balance, sediment and stabilization,
• controlling water flow LWD);
• habitat functions.

In the final paragraph of this section, WAC 173-201(3)(d)(i)(E) emphasizes that the local government's restoration plan will be one of the purposes for this effort at characterizing the shoreline ecological functions:

5. Local governments should use the characterization and analysis called for in this section to prepare master program policies and regulations designed to achieve no net loss of ecological functions necessary to support shoreline resources and to plan for the restoration of the ecosystem-wide processes and individual ecological functions on a comprehensive basis over time.

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