Shoreline Master Program

The City of Lynden Shoreline Master Program was prepared in 1974 and does not meet the current Department of Ecology requirements. Ecology has issued grants to cities like Lynden to update their program so it complies with the current regulations.

Lynden has received an Ecology grant to update the Shoreline Master Program. The Lynden Shoreline Master Program will include policies and regulations based on state laws and rules but will be tailored to the unique geographic, economic, and environmental needs of the Lynden community.

Lynden has two water bodies which have regulated shorelines- Fishtrap Creek and the Nooksack River. A map of the areas of Lynden subject to shoreline jurisdiction is shown here. http://www.lyndenwa.org/documents/planning/Jurisdiction_LargeFormat_Final_0.pdf

Lynden is seeking input from citizens and businesses during the Shoreline Master Program update process. Your input is an important part of the process.

If you have questions about the Shoreline Master Program, you can contact the Lynden Planning Department at (360) 354-5532 or email Amy Harksell

Here are some helpful links that provide background and may answer questions you have about the Shoreline Master Program and shorelines in general.

Washington Department of Ecology Shorelines Website http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/citizen.html

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/shorelines/smp/faqs.html

Whatcom County has been working through this process already and has put into effect a new Shoreline Master Program. More information on the Whatcom County work can be found at http://www.em.whatcomcounty.org/pds/naturalresources/shorelines/index.jsp

---