This practical, hands-on virtual class is intended for local government personnel and consultants engaged in shoreline permitting activities.

The class will take an in-depth look at the permit process and consider both procedural and substantive shoreline management issues. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and Revised Code of Washington (RCW) will be reviewed. 

This class is appropriate for both beginners and more experienced planners. To prepare for the class, participants will complete a 30-minute pre-assignment by May 31st. Additionally, between May 31st and June 1st, the participants will complete a 30-minute permitting exercise on their own and spend about 10 minutes identifying a specific shoreline permitting question for the instructors.(7 CM AICP Credits/ CEP Points)

Please reach out to Sara Brostrom (bros461@ecy.wa.gov) if you require an accommodation for this training (audio, visual, mobility, or other). Additionally, we can offer a couple of scholarship to cover the registration fees with each training. Please reach out if you need a scholarship in order to participate in the training.

Misty Blair is the statewide Shoreline Management Policy Lead with the Washington State Department of Ecology. The Shoreline Management Policy Lead deals with complex shoreline management issues; researching, developing and implementing new shoreline planning policies, procedures and initiatives; coordinating shoreline planning and permitting activities to ensure statewide consistency; and providing technical support and guidance to SEA program planning staff statewide. Misty has been with Ecology for 5 years and previously worked in environmental planning/permitting for the City of Tacoma. She has a BS in environmental policy and land management from the University of California, Berkeley (2002).

Rebecca Rothwell is the Regional Shorelands Technical and Regulatory Expert and represents the SEA Program in the development and review of statewide guidelines, policies, and regulations related to protecting and managing the state’s shorelands, wetlands, and related aquatic resources. This includes technical assistance to local governments as well as providing higher-level guidance to internal and external staff related to shoreline management. She reviews shoreline and wetland permits and provides technical assistance to applicants and consultants as well. Part of her work includes coordinating with property owners to resolve violations of the SMA or the state Water Pollution Control Act. Rebecca has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Puget Sound and a master’s degree in environmental studies from The Evergreen State College. She has worked at Ecology for 12 years.

Tim Gates has three decades experience in shoreline and growth management planning. He is currently Policy and Operations Manager for the Washington Department of Ecology Shorelands & Environmental Assistance Program. Prior to his current position he worked for nine years as land use planner for the Washington Department of Commerce Growth Management Services program, where he provided technical and financial assistance to local governments. He worked for Ecology’s shoreline program from 1989 through 2005 developing state rules, preparing guidance and providing technical and financial assistance.