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Washington DNR outlines plan to conserve 10,000 acres of kelp and eelgrass by 2040
Summary
DNR presented its statutory kelp and eelgrass health and conservation plan at the WICMAC meeting, describing pilot site selection (Grays Harbor, South Puget Sound, Eastern Strait), stressor‑reduction actions, and two early priority areas in Squaxin Island and the Elwha.
Cynthia Harbison, who is leading DNR's implementation of the state's kelp and eelgrass health and conservation plan, briefed WICMAC members on June 3 about the agency's path to the law's statutory goal.
"RCW specifically directs DNR to conserve and recover at least 10,000 acres of priority kelp and eelgrass habitat by 2040," Harbison said, summarizing the 2022 legislation and the agency's duties to prioritize stressor reduction, monitoring, and partnership. She described a multi‑step process: gathering local and tribal data, selecting site priorities using structured decision making, then developing shared action plans focused on local stressors.
DNR selected three pilot subbasins—Grays Harbor, the Eastern Strait of Juan de Fuca, and South Puget Sound—to develop and test the site selection and action planning approach. Harbison said two priority areas are already identified: the Squaxin Island kelp priority area (a tribal partnership formalized with a commissioner's withdrawal order on state aquatic lands) and the Elwha kelp and eelgrass priority area, where DNR is convening local partners to set near‑term actions.
She emphasized monitoring gaps for coastal estuaries and the need to combine quantitative datasets with tribal and local knowledge. "We're thinking about areas of highest risk of permanent loss and areas that contribute significant environmental, economic, and cultural benefits," Harbison said, adding that DNR will focus on stressor prevention and bringing resources to local partners for long‑term success.
Council members asked about lease withdrawals, tribal consultation and timelines for site selection; DNR said it will move site‑by‑site with tribal consultation and expects additional local input later this summer and into 2027 for some pilots. The presentation closed with an invitation to a knowledge exchange in Port Angeles and guidance for submitting comments and data.
