Nooksack Shoreline Master Program: periodic review

On Oct. 16, 2023, we approved the City of Nooksack's Shoreline Master Program (SMP) periodic review amendment.

Nooksack's updated SMP is effective Oct. 30, 2023, 14 days after we provided notice to the city that their amendment was approved.

The Nooksack SMP regulates shoreline uses and activities along shorelines within city limits, including sections of the Sumas River, Breckenridge Creek, and associated wetlands including, but not limited to, the Nooksack Slough. The city's periodic review amendment brings the SMP into compliance with state rules that have been added or changed since the city's comprehensive SMP update in 2015. It also ensures the SMP remains consistent with amended comprehensive plans and regulations, and incorporates revisions deemed necessary to reflect changed local circumstances, new information, improved data.

On Aug. 21, 2023, we provided the city with required and recommended changes to their periodic review amendment. The changes are based on our review of whether or not the proposed update complies with state laws and rules, and a public comment period held April 7 to June 7, 2021.

We distributed notice of the comment period by email to state and local interested parties. We individually notified and invited the Lummi Nation, and the Nooksack Indian tribe to comment on the amendment. No comments were received.

Documents related to approval

Note: all documents are PDF

Paper copies of the above documents are available by contacting Chad Yunge.

Appeals

Per RCW 90.58.190(2) and RCW 36.70A.290, an interested party may file an appeal with the Growth Management Hearings Board within 60 days of the publication date of our written notice of final action.
We plan to publish the notice of final action in the Lynden Tribune legal ads on Nov. 1, 2023.

Contact information

Chad Yunge
Shoreline Planner
Chad.Yunge@ecy.wa.gov
360-366-6186