Common Sense Alliance

The CSA is a grassroots effort organized by citizens to alert you to San Juan County's proposed regulations of our critical areas:  wetlands, streams, lakes, ponds, and ultimately shorelines.  The purpose of our website is to keep you informed.  This site provides you with a direct link for communications with the County Council and staff. The drop down menus located in the black bar at the top of this page contain a wealth of information to inform you.

Link to the map for your island shown in the right side bar of this Homepage.  The pink shading shows those parcels that may be affected by SJ County's Draft Critical Areas Ordinance.  Please note:The maps are intended as an educational guide to assist in understanding the impacts of the proposed CAO.  For more information on affected parcels, individuals should seek official information from the County Community Development & Planning Department and/or your Council Member.

During the County Council session of Feb. 9, Mr. Erik Stockdale of the Department of Ecology gave a presentation and answered questions concerning the recent change in direction over the review of a possible updated Critical Areas Ordinance.  

This short video shows an exchange initiated by Councilmember Howie Rosenfeld.  Mr. Stockdale is invited to share Ecology's thinking about the issue of non-conformance, of concern to CSA, because it speaks directly to "How will we treat our neighbors in the San Juan Islands?" 

The  video contrasts several of Mr. Stockdale's remarks to some earlier DOE statements regarding both non-conformance as well as restrictions on gardens and orchards in critical areas.

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