Over the last two years, the staff and Policy Group of the San Juan Initiative have worked with local and regional scientists, policy makers and community members to understand the challenges facing our marine shoreline.

They held over 18 public workshops and engaged land owners, real estate and construction industry professionals, and their science advisory team in intensive small group workshops to both identify the problems and create solutions to improve protection of our ocean shores.

Based on existing science and community input, the San Juan Initiative is recommending a broad suite of changes to education, incentive and regulatory programs in San Juan County. These changes are focused on improving protection of important shoreline trees and ground cover and natural beach forming processes. These two ecosystem components are critical to the overall marine ecosystem.

The group invites the community to two upcoming meetings. There will be a presentation of recommendations to the San Juan County Council on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 10:45 a.m. in the Hearing Room at the courthouse.

A final San Juan Initiative Policy Group meeting and reception is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11 at the San Juan Community Theatre. The meeting starts at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a celebratory reception. RSVP to emicmorgan@gmail.com.

The San Juan Initiative recommends tailoring protection efforts to the ecological qualities of each stretch of shoreline. This approach recognizes that the shoreline is not uniform; it is an assemblage of different geological and biological functions, as well as human uses. In recommending this tailored approach they are advocating a move away from “one size fits all” thinking, focusing instead on what will work best for each stretch of shoreline. This approach makes more sense for the environment and the people who use it. Their recommendations also support property owner’s desire for views, access to the shoreline and management of hazards.