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.
Current aquatic reserve proposals are:
Technical Advisory Committee Site Evaluations
The state Department of Natural Resources recruited qualified individuals that served on the 2009 Aquatic Reserve Technical Advisory Committee. Committee members reviewed, scored, and ranked nominated sites for the state Aquatic Reserve Program and made recommendations to the Commissioner of Public Lands for further consideration and action. The committee completed its recommendations in July 2009.
Recruitment for Aquatic Reserve Technical Advisory Committee (24KB PDF)
Technical Advisory Committee Timeline and Summary Recommendations (18KB PDF)
Planning Advisory Committee
The Planning Advisory Committee will assist DNR in the development of the site-specific aquatic reserve management plans. A Planning Advisory Committee will be created for each of the proposed reserves. The committees will represent a wide range of state, tribal, and local interests to help DNR ensure the sustainable management of state-owned aquatic lands and emphasize the conservation and protection of natural systems and low-impact public use.
Proposed Planning Advisory Committee Planning Process
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)
Submit comments regarding the proposed aquatic reserves to: aquaticreserve@dnr.wa.gov