Establishing a New State aquatic reserve
Aquatic Reserves can be located on state-owned aquatic lands throughout the state. Each reserve must address environmental, scientific, and/or educational needs. Establishing new aquatic reserves is a lengthy process that allows for scientific scrutiny and extensive public input. Before sites can be designated they must be properly evaluated, and management plans developed with the input and involvement of stakeholders; citizens; and local, state and federal agencies.
DNR's Aquatic Reserves Program has developed materials to help guide this process:
New Aquatic Reserves Proposals—2009
From our solicitations for new proposals, by January 2008 we had received nominations for eight aquatic reserves throughout Puget Sound. Nominations were submitted by individuals, university professors, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
DNR continues to work with site proponents to carry out public outreach on each proposal. Public involvement will provide an opportunity for a broad range of stakeholders to partner with DNR to develop and implement site-specific management plans.
Submit comments here regarding the proposed aquatic reserves: aquaticreserve@dnr.wa.gov
Technical Advisory Committee Site Evaluations
Call for Nominations for the Aquatic Reserve Advisory Committee
The state Department of Natural Resources is recruiting qualified individuals to serve on the 2009 Aquatic Reserve Technical Advisory Committee. Committee members will review, score, and rank nominated sites for the state Aquatic Reserve Program and make recommendations to the Commissioner of Public Lands for further consideration and action.
Recruitment for Aquatic Reserve Advisory Committee — (24KB PDF)
Timeline
Please note the following dates pertinent to evaluating proposed aquatic reserves.
- Evaluation Process Briefing: April 16th, 2009
- Site Visits: May 19th, 20th, 21st, 2009
- Evaluation Meeting: June 9th, 2009
Proposed Aquatic Reserves
The aquatic reserves that are currently proposed are:
- Smith/Minor Island
- Protection Island
- Nisqually Reach
Guidance for Nominating Aquatic Reserves
To ensure consistent implementation of the Aquatic Reserve Program and to give people interested in nominating aquatic reserves necessary information, DNR prepared the guidance document provided here:
Aquatic Reserve Program Implementation and Designation Guidance — (1,602KB PDF)