Washington Department of Ecology accepting public comments on Cle Elum shoreline management Plan

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is now accepting public comments on the shoreline management plan for Cle Elum, which impacts the shorelines of the Cle Elum and Yakima Rivers within the city.

The plan is part of a regional effort undertaken by Kittitas County that also includes Ellensburg and South Cle Elum. It has been in effect in Cle Elum since June 2015 and was developed specifically for the area’s shoreline. The plan works to protect the shoreline areas and minimize environmental damage to them. Additionally, the plan will reserve some areas of the shoreline for water-based activities and maintain access to public land and waters.

The shoreline management plan is available for review online at Ecology’s website and in person at the department’s Central Regional Office, in Union Gap, and at the Cle Elum City Hall. Ecology is accepting public comments until Feb. 29, after which the department can approve, reject or suggest modifications to the plan. Once reviewed, Cle Elum’s plan will become part of the sate’s shoreline master program.