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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever does." -- Margaret Mead |
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How to Help
Current Action:
Pierce County's Interim geoduck regulations will next be considered to be in the final Shoreline Management Regulations during this year's update, probably towards the end of 2008. Some changes may take place due to industry pressure and reccomendations from the State Shellfish Aquaculture Advisory Committee.
Click on this to see proposed Interim Regulations. (Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to view this file. It can be downloaded for free at the Adobe Website)
In 2007 the Washington State Legislature passed HB2220 which provides much needed scientific studies for geoduck aquaculture. It also includes a committee of diverse interests to make reccomendations to local jurisdictions for shellfish aquaculture laws for upcoming Shoreline Management updates. Learn more about it with this link:
HB2220 Shellfish Committee
Learn:
Find out what laws apply in your area regarding aquaculture and geoduck farms. Do they require a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit? Are they zoned into aquaculture districts, or allowed in residential and recreational areas? Is there a way to make public comment to the jurisdiction in your area regarding this? Probably your county has a planning department who can answer your questions. Ask lots of questions, they are there to serve you. Write, call or visit the head of your local planning department.
Contact:
Contact your local elected officials, County Council or County Commissioner. Tell them that you want an Environmental Impact Statement done for this new and questionable industry before farms are allowed in your area. Tell them that they should not be allowed in residential or recreational areas. Zoning protects our inland neighbors from industry intruding on residential neighborhoods, and the same should go for shoreline neighborhoods. Request that your county require Shoreline Substantial Development Permits if they don't already. For Pierce County, contact Councilmember Terry Lee
Write Letters to the Editor of your local newspaper. For the Tacoma News Tribune, Click here.
For the Seattle Times Click here.
For the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula Areas The Peninsula Gateway.
Click here to contact your local State Representative. Tell them there needs to be an Environmental Impact Statement done for this experimental industry. Tell them you are concerned with the inherent harm in an uncoordinated and piecemeal development of the State's Shorelines, as stated in the Shoreline Management Act. WA State Shoreline Management Act
Christine Gregoire states: "Cleaning and protecting Puget Sound must be at the top of our state agenda". She created the "Puget Sound Partnership" to reach that goal. Is this in keeping with that goal? Write
The Governor.
Norm Dicks is also on the board.| Write
Norm Dicks.
Learn more at Puget Sound Partnership.
Contact Senator Maria Cantwell.
Maria Cantwell
State Representative Pat Lantz has been supportive of our position Patricia Lantz
State Representative Derek Kilmer is also aware of this situation Derek Kilmer
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If you find you have a proposed farm in your area, look at the county file and see what exactly is being proposed. Find out how your other neighbors feel about it. Refer them to this website for their review. If there are a majority of neighbors who are opposed, organize those who are willing to help. Write comment letters to the county. In Pierce County, the posted comment period is 30 days, but you can comment right up until the hearing. Call the county planner and ask how to comment and what the process is. |
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Attend hearings for local individual farms. If you are a part of an organized group in opposition, you may volunteer to speak in organized testimony or just come and show your presence. Speak your voice at county or state hearings that deal with aquaculture, zoning, or preservation issues. |
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Only court and political action can stop this "legal" business from polluting our natural shorelines and beaches with rows of plastic pipes and the related destruction of the beach. Expert environmental witnesses and a good attorney cost money. If you are part of a group opposing a farm in your neighborhood, please contribute to their fund. You will be investing in the future. |
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