Why are shoreline master programs important?
Shorelines are where the land meets state waters. If we ever hope to restore and protect state shoreline areas – including Puget Sound – at the same time we accommodate necessary and appropriate new development, we must be sure to manage our limited shoreline resources wisely. Whenever we build in our shoreline areas, we transform a unique and precious aspect of our natural environment. We clear native vegetation, build bulkheads, armor shoreline banks, and put in driveways, roads, roofs and other impervious surfaces. This development often has negative effects on our environment.
