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June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 1 KLICKITAT COUNTY SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM UPDATE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN INTRODUCTION Klickitat County is updating its Shoreline Master Program (SMP). SMPs must be updated in accordance with the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and SMP Guidelines adopted in 2003 (WAC 173-26). The County’s current SMP is the 1996 Klickitat County Shoreline Master Plan Update which was adopted in 1998 and last amended in 2007. SMPs apply to Shorelines of the State, which are defined as streams with greater than 20 cubic feet per second flow and lakes greater than 20 acres in area. Shoreline jurisdiction in Klickitat County is currently under review, the preliminary list of shoreline waterbodies includes: Bowman Creek, Buck Creek, Cave Creek, the Columbia River, Dead Canyon Creek, Dry Creek, Frasier Creek, Gilmer Creek, Gotchen Creek, Gotchen Creek Upper Tributary, Hole in the Ground Creek, Holmes Creek, the Klickitat River, the Little Klickitat River, Little Klickitat River East Prong, Major Creek, Major Creek West Fork, Mill Creek, Camas Ditch and Outlet Creek, Paterson Slough, Rattlesnake Creek, Satus Creek, Snyder Canyon Creek, Summit Creek, Swale Creek, Trout Lake Creek, Trout Creek, White Creek, the White Salmon River, the Little White Salmon River, Lake Umatilla, Carp Lake, Chamberlain Lake, Horsethief Lake, Mill Pond and Rowland Lake. The SMP’s jurisdiction (also referred to as shoreline jurisdiction) includes the above listed waterbodies, plus land within 200 feet of their ordinary high water mark (OHWM), their floodways, contiguous 100-year floodplain extending up to 200 feet inland of the floodway, and associated wetlands. SMPs include goals, policies, and regulations designed to encourage appropriate development that supports water-oriented uses, provides environmental protection, and preserves and enhances public access. The Shoreline Management Act requires counties to “not only invite but actively encourage participation” by people and agencies interested in SMPs (RCW 90.58.130). Implementing rules (WAC 173-26-090) also direct counties to execute a robust public participation process that informs, involves, and encourages participation of persons and agencies: … the department and local governments… shall make all reasonable efforts to inform, fully involve and encourage participation of all interested persons and private entities, and agencies of the federal, state or local government having interests and responsibilities relating to shorelines of the state and the local master program. Counties and cities planning under chapter 36.70A RCW, shall establish and broadly disseminate to the public a public participation program Such procedures shall provide for early and continuous public participation through broad dissemination of informative materials, proposals and alternatives, opportunity for written comments, public meetings after effective notice, provision for open discussion, and consideration of and response to public comments. The purpose of this Public Participation Plan (PPP) is to lay out specific public participation objectives, outreach strategies, key stakeholders, and a timeline for public participation activities for Klickitat County’s SMP Update. PROJECT OVERSIGHT The SMP Update will be overseen by the County’s Planning Department. The County’s Director of Planning will serve as Project Manager. Throughout the project, the Consultant (The Watershed Company) will coordinate with Klickitat ---PAGE BREAK--- June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 2 County (County), the Department of Ecology, and other state agencies, tribes, etc. The Project Manager will lead the SMP Update in close coordination with the County Planning Commission. The Project Manager will review products for consistency and appropriateness and will direct the Consultant in the fulfillment of its duties. The Planning Commission will serve as a review body and sounding board for SMP products. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION OBJECTIVES & THEMES Objectives and Themes The following objectives and project themes will guide the overall PPP implementation and be promoted through communication materials and outreach opportunities facilitated by the Project Manager and Consultant. • Encourage public involvement: Public involvement is a state requirement and key component of the SMP update (WAC 173-26-090 and 100). Public involvement will be important through all phases of the SMP update. Ultimately, the Board of County Commissioners will decide the final SMP outcome on behalf of their citizens, but will desire the assurance that the SMP update has been developed with community input. • Meet State Laws and Rules: The SMP is required by the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and is subject to Ecology SMP Guidelines. The SMP is a partnership between local governments and Ecology. The SMP must be developed and approved by the County. • Inform the community: The Project Manager and Consultant will communicate the SMP update purpose, process, and progress as early as possible and throughout the project. Easy and convenient access to project information is essential to the process. County staff, elected and appointed officials, and Consultant will ensure that information is easy to obtain, useful, timely, and pertinent. • Invite the community to participate in a variety of ways: The Project Manager and Consultant will provide a variety of public participation activities and venues, both online and face to face, and will provide appropriate notices of meetings, comment periods, questionnaires, and other activities. • Engage Stakeholders: The Project Manager and Consultant will seek and engage stakeholders to ensure that all interested or responsible parties are involved in the update. • Link Input to SMP Products: The Project Manager, Planning Commission, elected officials, and Consultant will collect and review public comments and show how the feedback is linked to SMP products. • Create a Balanced Plan: The goal of the SMP is to create a balanced plan for shoreline utilization and protection (WAC 173-26-176(2)). • Reflect Klickitat County’s Vision: State law dictates what shoreline elements are required; however, there is a degree of latitude in several elements that can and should be crafted with particular attention to the County’s vision for its shoreline. • Recognize Existing, Pertinent Information and Plans: Locally determined land uses and critical area regulations and watershed plans will be factored into the SMP. The County intends to incorporate appropriate information and relevant policies and regulations where consistent with the Shoreline Management Act (RCW 90.58) and SMP Guidelines (WAC 173-26). Ongoing Methods to Accomplish Objectives The ongoing methods used throughout the process to accomplish these objectives may vary, but will include: • Holding regular meetings of the County Planning Commission, which will serve as the body that hosts public meetings, takes public comment, and reviews SMP products. ---PAGE BREAK--- June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 3 • Creating and maintaining a project website to share information and solicit comments throughout the update process. • Providing ongoing project updates broadcasting events through email distributions and strategic posting in the community. • Working with the local media (newspapers) to issue news releases, project fliers, letters, and announcements. • Conducting regional open houses to inform and obtain community input at key stages of the SMP project. • Holding meetings and hearings with the Planning Commission and, at certain points in the process, the Board of County Commissioners. AUDIENCES The PPP is designed to reach all audiences that may have an interest in the SMP update process. It will also be designed to reach out to other groups and individuals—those that may not yet have an interest—to encourage their awareness, understanding, and involvement in the process. The following particular audiences are important to contact and engage: • GENERAL PUBLIC: Interested citizens across the county. • PROPERTY OWNERS AND BUSINESSES: Property owners in shoreline jurisdiction and affected commercial business interests. • AGRICULTURAL interests. • ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS AND NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS (NGOS): Organizations with expertise and/or interest in shoreline issues, such as those interested in conservation or recreation. • TRIBES: Yakama Tribe, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Nez Perce Tribe. • GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES: State and federal agencies with expertise such as Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, US Army Corps of Engineers, US Bureau of Land Management, US Bureau of Reclamation, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Local Watershed Management Entities; Conservation Districts; and others. • MEDIA: Local news outlets: The Goldendale Sentinel, The White Salmon Enterprise. Outreach activities should be focused on keeping interested groups fully informed and updated as to project progress, meetings, and key decision-making points. Public involvement activities are designed to prevent last minute surprises or perceptions from groups that perceive they have not been adequately informed or have been discouraged from participating in the process. PUBLIC OUTREACH PHASES & ACTIVITIES This PPP is based on the SMP tasks, which are divided into six phases generally including analysis of the shoreline conditions; planning and evaluation; and local adoption. In addition to the ongoing methods, at each phase there are further outreach activities as shown in Table 1. ---PAGE BREAK--- June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 4 Table 1. Public Participation Plan Activities by SMP Phase Phase Key Public Participation Activities Phase 1: Identify Preliminary Shoreline Jurisdiction, Public Participation Plan and Shoreline Inventory • Project kickoff meeting with County • Develop Public Participation Plan • Send Information Request Letter to potentially interested parties Phase 2: Conduct Shoreline Analysis and Characterization • Planning Commission Meeting Phase 3: Develop Environment Designations, Update Policies and Regulations • Hold 2 public open houses • Planning Commission meetings Phase 4: Prepare Restoration Plan, Cumulative Impacts Analysis, No Net Loss Report • Planning Commission meetings Phase 5: Local Approval Process • Planning Commission meeting(s)/ hearing • Board of County Commissioners hearing Phase 6: State Approval Process • Public comment period run by Ecology Meetings Planning Commission The Planning Commission will meet during Phases 2 through 4 of the project to review and provide input on: • Data sources and Map Folio • Shoreline Inventory and Characterization Report • Gap analysis of existing County SMP and preliminary draft SMP update goals, policies, and regulations • Preliminary Draft SMP Environment Designations • Preliminary Draft SMP environment-specific shoreline use & modification policies, regulations and standards • Preliminary Cumulative Impacts Analysis • Draft Restoration Plan • Revisit Draft SMP and Cumulative Impacts Analysis; finalize SMP jurisdiction maps All Planning Commission meetings will be open to the public. Attendees will be offered the opportunity to provide input during a public comment period at such meetings. Board of County Commissioners The Board of County Commissioners will be briefed at their quarterly meetings as needed throughout the update process. The Board of County Commissioners will review the SMP through the legislative process and will conduct study sessions/workshops, hearings, and deliberations as needed. The Board of County Commissioners will be invited to all public meetings and activities. Following Planning Commission recommendations, the Board of County Commissioners will consider the SMP Update and hold a public hearing prior to taking action. Public Forums/Community Workshops Two public forums/community workshops will be held; one following completion of Phase 2 draft materials and prior to Planning Commission review of the SMP and one at the time the Draft SMP is issued for public comment. These meetings are further described below. ---PAGE BREAK--- June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 5 Workshop/Open House An initial open house will be held to provide citizens an opportunity to learn about the update process, understand completed Phase 1 and Phase 2 work products, and provide input on the context of the preliminary findings of the shoreline inventory and characterization. The open house will be designed for active participation by members of the public to provide comments regarding their vision of the shorelines. Prior to the event, the Consultant will assist the Project Manager with development of a meeting plan and strategy including: • Purpose and desired outcome, • Appropriate event format, • Materials to communicate clearly and ensure broad understanding, • Key questions that need to be answered for next SMP steps, and • Draft meeting agenda/questions, as appropriate. The Consultant will attend, facilitate, and present information, as appropriate, at the event. The Project Manager will coordinate meeting logistics including facility arrangements, refreshments, and sign-in sheets and participate along with other County staff, as needed. Draft SMP Meetings Under Phase 5 of the project, but prior to a formal public hearing, the County will hold at least one public open house, near the time a Draft SMP is issued for review and comment. The open house event may be held on the same day, but prior to a Planning Commission meeting. The open house would be designed to convey key components of the SMP and allow for discussions of important issues. The County will take the lead role in this process. The Consultant will be available to assist with planning and attend as necessary. Outreach Tools Stakeholder Database The Project Manager will maintain a list of stakeholders, community members, and organizations interested in receiving SMP public meeting announcements. Notice will be provided either by mail or email. The Project Manager will update the database with information after each public outreach activity to reflect individuals and organizations that attended each meeting and to inventory and respond to project comments as appropriate. Outreach Materials A letter will be sent to potentially interested parties identified in the initial stakeholder database early in the process, notifying that the update process is beginning and requesting information pertinent to the inventory and analysis. Prior to each meeting, the Project Manager will notify stakeholders, community members, and organizations about Workshops, Open Houses, Planning Commission meetings, and Board of County Commissioners meetings through one or more of the following: • Notification of the media through press releases, notices, letters, or fliers; • Email to interested community members, stakeholders and organizations; • Fliers posted at public buildings and other community locations; • Website postings; and/or • Other jurisdiction-specific methods. Public hearings will also be noticed through legal notices. ---PAGE BREAK--- June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 6 Web Site A project website will provide interested community members with access to project updates, reports, meeting notices and agendas, and links to the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Shoreline information. A website address will be disseminated once the website is established. Legal Notification Legal notice of all public hearings and decisions related to the SMP review and update will be published in the County’s newspaper of record. Notification of all hearings will be provided in accordance with County notice requirements. The notice will include the date, time, location, and purpose of the hearing. Media Relations The Project Manager will provide meeting invitations and fliers to local media. Public Record Copies of the PPP, SMP products, decision documents, staff reports, and other project-related information will be made available locally for public review at the County offices and on the website as appropriate. Relevant meeting summaries will be made available to the community via the project website; Planning Commission and County Board of Commissioners minutes will be made available to the community via the County’s website as appropriate. COUNTY SPECIFIC INFORMATION Audiences The following agencies, stakeholder groups, and individuals are considered a sample of potential audiences for the SMP Update (Table The County will maintain a complete list of interested parties throughout the update process. Table 2. Audiences General Public, Property Owners, and Businesses Agricultural Interests, Recreation, Environmental Groups, NGOs, Education Tribes and Governmental Agencies Media • Shoreline property owners • Email list serves of persons interested in county planning • BOCC, and Planning Commission email list serves • Greater Goldendale Area Chamber of Commerce • Mount Adams Chamber of Commerce • Bickleton Community Council • Centerville Community Council • SDS Lumber Company • All Adventures Rafting Inc. • American Rivers • American Whitewater • Columbia Gorge Audubon • Columbia Gorge United • Colombia River United • Columbia Riverkeeper • Central Klickitat Conservation District • Klickitat County PRD #1 • Columbia Land Trust • Columbia River Gorge Commission • Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission • Federation of Fly Fishers • Friends of the Gorge • Friends of the White Salmon River • Lower Columbia River Fisheries Enhancement Group • Cities of Bingen, Goldendale, and White Salmon • Benton, Yakima and Skamania Counties • Nez Perce Tribe • Yakama Nation • Umatilla Indian Nation • Natural Resources Conservation Service • U.S. Army Corps of Engineers • U.S. Bureau of Reclamation • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service • US Bureau of Land Management • Washington State Department of Ecology • Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife • The Goldendale Sentinel • The White Salmon Enterprise ---PAGE BREAK--- June 2016, Public Participation Plan Revised January, 2017 7 General Public, Property Owners, and Businesses Agricultural Interests, Recreation, Environmental Groups, NGOs, Education Tribes and Governmental Agencies Media • Northwest Steelheaders Association • Trout Lake Community Council • Trout Unlimited • Washington State Department of Natural Resources • WA Department of Commerce • WA Department of Transportation • Washington State Conservation Commission • Bonneville Power Administration • East Klickitat Conservation District