12/20/2005: "Nature Conservancy To Support County In Stewardship Project"

The BOCC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding between San Juan County and The Nature Conservancy to "develop a science-based, strategic stewardship plan of action for the SJC Marine Stewardship Area Project".

MRC (Marine Resources Committee) Coordinator Jody Kennedy recently made a presentation to the BOCC on a proposed agreement with the NC (Nature Conservancy), to develop planning and management policies and processes, that will allow various organizations, including the County, the Northwest Straits Commission and The Nature Conservancy, to put in place a stewardship area plan that will generate broad support for actions that will "help to protect and restore the marine resources in the San Juans"; and to do so in a manner that is consistent with the SJC Comprehensive Plan.

It is also the intent of the agreement that the relationship with the various groups will "provide a basis for a continuing outreach and education effort". The MRC will be the local organization that will set the program goals; coordinate the planning process, and keep other local groups, stakeholders and the County, informed of the actions of the groups involved. The Nature Conservancy will support and assist with the planning, organizing and development of the programs.

At the end of the presentation and review of the Memorandum, it was moved by Commissioner Lichter " to sign the MOU between SJC and The Nature Conservancy to develop a science-based, strategic stewardship plan of action for the SJC Marine Stewardship Area Project as set forth therein".. With a second by Myhr, the motion carried.