Contractors, builders, architects, realtors, engineers and landscapers are invited to join the San Juan Initiative for a public discussion on improving protection of shoreline resources and the needs of property owners.

The San Juan Initiative is seeking input on regulatory changes for bulkheads and forest cover and new ways to assist property owners with incentives and better access to information.

The lunch workshops will be May 4 at the Orcas Center, May 6 at Key Bank on San Juan, and May 7 at the Lopez Islander Resort. All of the meetings will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are necessary to receive lunch and can be made at either amy.windrope@psp.wa.gov or 298-2278.

In the last two years, the San Juan Initiative has hosted 18 public workshops and worked with scientists and resource managers to develop new ideas for protecting San Juan shorelines in ways that respect the concerns of property owners.

In December, the County Council unanimously endorsed this approach to tailor environmental protection and property owner assistance to the sensitivity of the shoreline. This new effort no longer treats all shorelines were treated the same.

The initiative proposes better access to information and technical assistance for people who want to build or maintain views and access to the beach. Also recommended are regulatory changes to be considered in this summer’s update of the Critical Areas Ordinance governing activities in wetlands and shorelines.