Puget Sound shorelines have historically provided a diversity of habitats that support a variety of aquatic resources throughout the area. These valued natural resources are iconic to the region and remain central to ...Puget Sound shorelines have historically provided a diversity of habitats that support a variety of aquatic resources throughout the area. These valued natural resources are iconic to the region and remain central to both the economic vitality and community appreciation of Puget Sound. Coastal developments over the past 30 years have placed increased pressure on aquatic resources through deterioration of upland and nearshore shoreline habitats within the region. Since a majority of Washington State upland shorelines are privately owned, regulatory authority to require future restoration on private property is not feasible. Washington States＇ Shoreline Management Act requires local jurisdictions to plan for appropriate future shoreline uses. Under the Act, future development can be regulated to protect existing ecological functions. However, lost functions cannot be retroactively restored through regulatory means, but rather require purchase or compensation of the private property to be restored. Therefore, questions remain as to the ecological resilience of the region when considering cumulative effects of existing and ongoing shoreline development and limited shoreline restoration opportunities constrained to public lands. In light of these questions, this analysis will explore opportunities to promote restoration on privately owned shorelines within Puget Sound. These efforts are intended to promote more efficient coastal management to improve ecosystem services.展开更多
文摘Puget Sound shorelines have historically provided a diversity of habitats that support a variety of aquatic resources throughout the area. These valued natural resources are iconic to the region and remain central to both the economic vitality and community appreciation of Puget Sound. Coastal developments over the past 30 years have placed increased pressure on aquatic resources through deterioration of upland and nearshore shoreline habitats within the region. Since a majority of Washington State upland shorelines are privately owned, regulatory authority to require future restoration on private property is not feasible. Washington States＇ Shoreline Management Act requires local jurisdictions to plan for appropriate future shoreline uses. Under the Act, future development can be regulated to protect existing ecological functions. However, lost functions cannot be retroactively restored through regulatory means, but rather require purchase or compensation of the private property to be restored. Therefore, questions remain as to the ecological resilience of the region when considering cumulative effects of existing and ongoing shoreline development and limited shoreline restoration opportunities constrained to public lands. In light of these questions, this analysis will explore opportunities to promote restoration on privately owned shorelines within Puget Sound. These efforts are intended to promote more efficient coastal management to improve ecosystem services.
