Creation of the MRC
Creation of MRC by Board of Island County Commissioners
DRAFT
Resolution No. C-59- 1999
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING
AN
ISLAND COUNTY MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE
Whereas, the Island County Board of County Commissioners recognizes that the marine waters of Island County represent an unparalleled resource of enormous environmental and economic value to the people of the region for this and future generations; and
Whereas, despite the considerable research and regulatory efforts in the NW Straits, previous efforts have failed to protect natural habitats and fish and wildlife populations adequately; and
Whereas, the Northwest Straits Commission was established on October 1, 1998 to provide an ecosystem focus on the marine resources of the Northwest Straits, help mobilize science to focus on key priorities and to guide and provide resources to NW Straits county Marine Resources Committees; and
Whereas, the Northwest Straits Commission has determined that county based Marine Resources Committees can provide the foundation of scientifically sound, locally supported marine conservation measures; and
Whereas, active county participation in a regionally coordinated program is the best available tool to ensure counties in the Northwest Straits area are constructively engaged in effective marine conservation areas; and
Whereas, the Northwest Straits Commission and/or participating entities may provide financial assistance and technical expertise to participating local governments to use for planning, revision of city and county ordinances, if necessary, and scientific study; and
Whereas, military activities in the area are important to the regional economy and national security; efforts to protect to restore and protect the area’s marine resources should not compromise defense operations; defense operations should strive to restore and protect the area’s marine resources; and
Whereas, the Island County Board of Commissioners desires to establish a Marine Resources Committee to protect the local marine environment and contribute to the protection of the marine environment of the Northwest Straits through education, research and voluntary action, now
Therefore be it resolved, that the Island County Board of Commissioners does hereby establish a Marine Resources Committee that is guided by sound science and the needs of the Northwest Straits ecosystem that will address local marine issues, recommend remedial actions to local authorities and build awareness of the issues and support for the remedies consistent with the goals and task in "Exhibit A" and the needs of the marine waters of Island County.
Exhibit "A"
Murray-Metcalf Northwest Straits Citizens Advisory Commission - Report to the Convenors, published August 20, 1998.
Adopted this _______24____ day of ___May________, 1999