Shoreline Hearings Board Appeal Ends. Now What?

The week-long proceedings before five members of the state’s Shoreline Hearings Board ended on Monday, December 18 with closing arguments. Board members heard from Fern Cove Preservation Alliance attorney Wyatt Golding, and also from lawyers for King County and for permit applicant, Michael Kollins. At issue is the County’s decision to permit Mr. Kollins’ 10-acre commercial kelp farm at the entrance to Fern Cove.

Board members are required to reach a decision by March 1, 2024. While we eagerly await the verdict we’ll be sharing our “prehearing brief”, which laid out our positions, and Mr. Goldings closing argument.

Remember that to start operating the kelp farm proposal still needs to obtain a permit from the US Army Corps of Engineers and a lease from the state Department of Natural Resources. We’ll be tracking the progress of both.

Thanks to everyone out there who’s been supporting our efforts with dollars, testimony, web design skills, interest, ideas and encouragement. Fingers crossed.

Closing Arguments in Shoreline Hearings Board Appeal, Monday, December 18, 9am

The Fern Cove Preservation Alliance’s appeal of King County’s decision to permit a 10-acre commercial kelp farm at the entrance to the Fern Cove Preserve wraps up on Monday, December 18. Closing arguments start promptly at 9am. Each side will get about 15 minutes to make its case. Here’s how to listen in:

Zoom: https://eluho-wa-gov.zoom.us/j/4402844101?pwd=OHZiQXUraWxmMzdMS1h6Rkkyb1RQUT09

Telephone Dial-in Number: 253-215-8782

Meeting ID: 440 284 4101

Passcode: 195252

Note to attendees: Please make sure to turn your video OFF and put your audio on MUTE.

Any questions, please contact staff at the Environmental and Land Use Hearings Office at 360-664-9160.