CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM
CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM
CITY OF DES MOINES SHORELINE MASTER PROGRAM
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Des Moines Shoreline Master Program<br />
4.2 Restoration Planning<br />
Shoreline restoration planning begins with the identification of “degraded areas” or areas with<br />
“impaired ecological functions.” The City’s Shoreline Inventory and Characterization<br />
(Adolfson, 2005) examined nearshore and ecosystem-wide processes that maintain shoreline<br />
ecological functions; identified impaired ecological functions; and identified programmatic and<br />
site-specific opportunities for restoration and/or enhancement. Key findings of the inventory and<br />
characterization are summarized in Chapter 2. The complete report is included as Appendix A.<br />
4.3 Restoration Goals and Policies<br />
The guidelines provide that local SMPs shall include “goals, policies and actions for restoration<br />
of impaired shoreline ecological functions.” Under the guidelines, restoration planning has a<br />
purpose distinct from development regulations and mitigation standards. “The guidelines<br />
expressly focus restoration requirements on the use of master program policies, as opposed to<br />
development regulations” (Ecology, 2004). “Master program provisions should be designed to<br />
achieve overall improvements in shoreline ecological functions over time, when compared to the<br />
status upon adoption of the master program” (WAC 173-26-201(2)(f)).<br />
The current Des Moines SMP (adopted in 1988) does not contain specific goals and policies<br />
related to restoration of shoreline habitat and ecological functions. The existing SMP does<br />
contain policies related to protection of water quality and conservation of shoreline vegetation<br />
and wildlife habitat. In updating the City’s SMP goals and policies, a new element,<br />
“Conservation and Restoration” was drafted to retain important conservation goals and policies<br />
and include new goals and policies specifically addressing restoration of shoreline ecological<br />
functions that have been impaired as a result of past development activities. The conservation<br />
and restoration goals and policies are included in Chapter 3.<br />
4.4 Existing Plans and Programs<br />
A number of regional and Puget Sound-wide planning efforts have been developed over several<br />
years to address water resource management, water quality, and salmon habitat recovery. These<br />
plans and programs provide a framework of goals, policies, and in some cases, funding<br />
mechanisms. These plans and programs have informed development of Des Moines’ restoration<br />
goals and policies. Des Moines shoreline restoration planning goals, policies, and actions should<br />
be integrated, or at a minimum, be consistent with this broader framework of conservation and<br />
restoration work in Puget Sound.<br />
4.4.1 Puget Sound Action Team: 2005-2007 Puget Sound Conservation and<br />
Recovery Plan<br />
The Puget Sound Action Team partnership (Action Team) defines, coordinates and implements<br />
Washington State’s environmental agenda for Puget Sound. The legislature created the Puget<br />
Sound Action Team in 1996 as the State's partnership for Puget Sound. The Action Team<br />
includes directors from 10 state agencies and representatives from tribal, federal and local<br />
governments with direct responsibilities and authorities for conservation and restoration of Puget<br />
Sound.<br />
Department of Ecology approval effective November 1, 2010<br />
Adopted by City of Des Moines Ordinance No. 1502 35
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