2019/06/12 Council Agenda Packet

`3 Over time, it is anticipated that land use changes on the islands will bring opportunities for additional public access. The City's Shoreline Master Program prohibits water dependent uses along shoreline edges with high quality marsh and riparian vegetation (see map). Nonwater dependent uses are required to provide significant public access. Potential also exists for tidal restoration of some properties. As these properties develop or are restored, public access to the shoreline should be provided along dikes and/or overlooks. Minor public access piers or kayak rest areas could be provided where they would not impact marsh or riparian vegetation. Other potential public access improvements would be dependent upon the proposed use of the site, but could include picnic areas, interpretive facilities, etc. Other properties are expected to develop with water-dependent uses. In some cases, these properties could provide public access to the shoreline edge through access points on the edge of the property. On properties that have been more disturbed, more intense public access facilities, such as car-top boat launches, piers and docks, could be provided.Where on-site public access is not feasible due to conflicts with the water dependent use,the developments may contribute to off- site improvements. All public access projects should be connected to the trail system and/or provide separate parking facilities, such as those provided at the Port's Union Slough access area. Projects located on the interior of the islands adjacent to identified trails should be required to construct the portion of the trail adjacent to their site. Other projects should contribute to public access facilitiesin the area. Snohomish River Estuary Water Trail Snohomish County Parks is developing a water trail in the estuary. It consists of a series of access points and other facilities specifically developed for people in paddle-powered watercraft (canoes and kayaks). Once fully developed, it will offer canoe/kayak-only launch facilities, staging areas, parking, interpretive kiosks, distance and points of interest markers and restrooms. The first stages of the water trail are under development at South Ebey (a launch site and parking area) and at Spencer Island (a launch site near the bridge). As public access improvements are constructed in Everett, signage should becoordinated with the water trail signage. Even when public access improvements do not include access to the water, signs should be placed so that they can be viewed from those in watercraft on the sloughs and river. • Additional canoe and kayak facilities should be developed in Everett. They should be sited to avoid high quality marsh and riparian vegetation. Marysville - The City of Marysville has constructed a park along Ebey Slough that includes a boat launch facility. Shoreline Public Access Plan Update 2019 - 63 56