The Aquatic Reserve

By Janice Peterson

The following nine points represent, in my opinion, important questions, reservations, and criticisms of the Department of Natural Resources document requesting proposals for an aquatic reserve and the Marine Resources Committee’s ill-advised (and unauthorized) activity to support it.

1. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) request for aquatic reserve proposals is so ponderously written that much of it is impossible to understand. It appears to have been written by scientists for an audience of scientists even though the vast majority of those who will be affected if a San Juan County reserve materializes are non-scientists.

The Marine Resources Committee (MRC) proposal is easier to get through but still seems willfully obtuse. Is it necessary to cite “anthropogenic distress” rather than describing “human activity?” I have to wonder if there is method in this ferociously complicated writing.

Most people who are going about the business of earning a living and maintaining a household simply do not have the time to wade through these documents with the goals of understanding what is being said and determining whether an aquatic reserve will be an asset or a detriment to their lives.

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It Is Time To Pay Attention!

By John Evans

There is a process underway to update the San Juan County Critical Areas Ordinance. The current Critical Areas Ordinance has been in place for about 8 years. The Washington State Growth Management Act requires the “update”.

Some shoreline homes with “critical habitat” sandy beaches may become “non-conforming uses,” and therefore restricted in future modification.

Similar “buffers” are being suggested for upland “critical areas, wildlife habitat and riparian zones” as well. Because “critical areas” are usually off limits to development, many existing parcels could become un-developable; other existing homes would become “non-conforming” and still other properties would see their uses severely limited.

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One At A Time

One at a Time … One on One

(Found on only one stretch of one island road)

By Marcy Hahn

So often social issues are addressed to the masses through ads and letters to the editor. I’ve come to the conclusion that perhaps the issue of improper disposal of cigarette butts needs to be broached one smoker at a time, one on one.

On a recent weekend, while waiting for the ferry in Anacortes, I observed a bearded gentleman in a gray sedan (you know who you are) smoking and flicking cigarette ashes out the window. I continued to watch because I guessed he would be dropping the butt on the ground below - I was correct. I sat a few minutes and the more I thought about it, the more incensed I became about his behavior.


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