Shoreline Master Program Update

Lewis County and the cities of Centralia, Chehalis, Morton, and Winlock are working together to update their Shoreline Master Programs (SMP) together as the Lewis County Coalition.

The SMP update will include numerous opportunities for public involvement.  In order to keep the public informed, the Lewis County Shoreline Master Program Update website has been created and includes updates, an overview, contacts, events, a library of project materials, and links to related agencies.

The SMP is the local instrument by which the Lewis County Coalition and the State Department of Ecology (DOE) jointly administer the 1971 Shoreline Management Act (SMA).  The Coalition is required by state law to update their SMP and received a grant from DOE to support this work. The update must be completed by June 30, 2014.

The overarching goal of the SMA is "to prevent the inherent harm in an uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the state’s shorelines.”  Legislation directs the Coalition to focus on three main areas:

• Encourage reasonable and orderly development of shorelines, with an emphasis on water-dependent and related uses that control pollution and prevent damage to the natural environment.
• Protect the natural character of Washington shorelines, including the land, vegetation, wildlife, and shoreline environment.
• Promote public access and provide opportunities to enjoy views and recreational activities in shoreline areas.