Protection Island Proposal:

The aquatic lands surrounding Protection Island, including north of Protection Island to include the Dalles Bank, and south to the tip of Miller Peninsula from Rock Point to Thompson Spit north, all adjacent to Jefferson and Clallam Counties. These tidelands and deep water surrounding the Refuge comprise 8,770 acres, and contain important kelp, marine mammal, and seabird habitats: about 70% of Puget Sound seabirds nest on the island.
 

Smith/Minor Island Proposal:

The aquatic lands surrounding Smith and Minor Islands and Partridge Bank, and east to include the shoreline on Whidbey State Park south to Point Partridge and extending directly out the Strait of Juan de Fuca to include west of Smith Island, and Partridge, Eastern, Coyote and Dallas Banks.  These tidelands and deep water surrounding the National Wildlife Refuge comprise about 30,170 acres, contain the largest kelp bed in Puget Sound, and are extremely important for seabird breeding and marine mammals.

Adoption of these two areas as state aquatic reserves:

• Would limit new leases that would have adverse impacts on habitat and water quality
• Would allow existing leases to be managed in a way that reduces impacts over time
• Would facilitate scientific research, education and enhance restoration opportunities
• Would enhance partnerships with USFWS, State Parks, others to manage human disturbances to bird nesting and rearing, and the habitats that support their prey
  

• does not set fishing harvest limits
• does not include privately held tidelands or tribal lands
• does not regulate upland development 

•   Submit application    January 26, 2008   

•   Open houses – public meetings    May -July 2008   

•   Stakeholders develop management plan    Feb. – Dec. 2009   

•   Environmental  review (SEPA)    Sept. – Dec. 2009   

•   WDNR commissioner’s signing for the designation    January 2010  

• Write a letter of support for the proposal

• Provide technical or background information for the proposal

• Provide feedback on potential management strategies for the management plan

• Identify how your agency or organization could partner to manage or monitor the site

, (206) 382-7007.