In September, the Fern Cove Preservation Alliance appealed King County’s decision to permit a 10-acre commercial kelp farm at the entrance to the Fern Cove Preserve. We present our case to the state’s Shoreline Hearings Board (SHB) starting on December 11, 2023. 

To our surprise and delight, members of the Shoreline Hearings Board have agreed to kick off the appeal proceedings with a visit to Fern Cove on the morning of December 11. This is an unusual step, and we applaud SHB members for taking the time to see for themselves the rare natural beauty, tranquility and accessibility that are at stake.

Focusing on aesthetic and recreational impacts, we’ll argue that the massive 10-acre grid threatens to spoil and endanger a pristine public sanctuary, and that handing over 10 acres of public aquatic lands to a private commercial enterprise will put the area off-limits to all boat traffic. 

The appeal proceedings will be virtual and open to the public. For details on how to attend, check back here or email us at fern.cove.alliance@gmail.com.

Mary Bruno is an author, longtime Fern Cove resident, and a founding member of the Fern Cove Preservation Alliance.