Washington Dept. of Ecology reviewing Okanogan County shoreline program

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is currently reviewing and accepting public comments on the shoreline program for Okanogan County, which will inform the area’s shoreline development and construction.

The plan, which was developed by county officials and is already adopted there, includes provisions for local development and preservation plans as well as requirements for development ordinances and permitting.

Ecology is accepting public comments on the plan until March 18, which can be submitted by mail or email. The documents are available for review on Ecology’s website and Okanogan County’s website, and in person at the Ecology Central Regional Office in Union Gap and the Okanogan County Office of Planning and Development in Okanogan.

After reviewing the public comments received during the commenting period, Ecology can decide to reject the plan, identify portions of the plan that need to be changed to better meet the Shoreline Management Act or other state regulations, or approve it, at which point it will become part of the state shoreline master program.