Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to join Shore Stewards?

All individuals who own or rent property on the shoreline, who have property with a stream or river passing through it, or who live in communities with shared beach access. Parks, businesses, farms, port districts, cities and other shoreline property owners also may join.

How do I join?

Simply fill out an application to become a Shore Steward in your county. You may download your county's application from the Join Us link on this website. We will review your application and, within a short time, notify you of acceptance into the program.

How do I get an application?

Request it by telephone, mail or e-mail from your county Shore Stewards coordinator (see Contact Us), or download it directly from Join Us page as a PDF.

What does Shore Stewards cost?

Nothing. No fees to join. No dues. No meetings. No required classes.

What do I get?

• Ideas and information to help you care for your property.
• Your personal copy of the resource-packed Guide for Shoreline Living
• Shore Stewards metal yard sign (optional)
• Free monthly newsletter and information website
• Invitation to Shore Stewards workshops and programs, if you're interested
• Pride. Satisfaction. Greater understanding and enjoyment of nature and your property

Why should I become a Shore Steward?

Your stewardship will make a difference to all life-forms of the diverse nearshore ecosystem. It will help preserve the beauty of this area and your own land.

Shore Stewards connects you with the right people and information so you can make the best decisions for the long-term health of your property and shoreline. The program also offers advice and recommendations that may enhance the value of your investment.

Does participation require me to make changes to my property?

No. Shore Stewards is educational and voluntary. You may do as much or little as you wish. No particular changes are required. We ask you to learn about our 10 guidelines for shoreline living. The more you understand and apply these guidelines, the more they will help you make your property attractive and friendly to fish, wildlife and people.

What if I have a bulkhead or armored shoreline? Can I still participate?

Of course. From low-bank, bulkheaded properties to high bluffs with natural beaches, the program is open to all shoreline and stream-side property owners.

What are the 10 guidelines for shoreline living?

1. Use water wisely.
2. Know and practice all the elements of septic maintenance.
3. Control pests wisely.
4. Manage water runoff.
5. Encourage native plants and trees.
6. Know the permit procedures for shoreline development.
7. Develop on bluffs with care.
8. Use soft armoring techniques when appropriate.
9. Respect intertidal life while on the beach and boating.
10. Preserve eelgrass beds and forage fish spawning habitat.

How did you develop the program's guidelines?

WSU Beach Watchers researched, wrote and edited the program's materials to address the most important local and regional issues affecting the health of the nearshore ecosystem. The materials were also reviewed by a team of experts in the field of nearshore ecology and education.

Once I join, what do I have to do?

Once you submit your application, you are not required to do anything but be a conscientious shoreline resident. We encourage you to make future decisions about your property based on our 10 guidelines for shoreline living. We may mail you periodic survey forms to gauge the impact and value of the program. We want to help you be the best Shore Steward possible, so your feedback is vital.

We will also invite you to participate in special workshops and field trips conducted by local and regional experts in landscaping, ecology, water conservation, shoreline development, wildlife biology and more. Participation in these events is entirely optional.

Why did you create this program?

Island County Marine Resources Committee, in cooperation with WSU Beach Watchers, created Shore Stewards to help shoreline residents feel more connected to the nearshore ecosystem. We believe that as more people understand the natural processes at work on their beaches and streamside properties, they will get excited about preserving healthy, fish-friendly wildlife habitat.

What is the program's background?

Modeled after the National Wildlife Federation's successful Backyard Wildlife Habitat program, Shore Stewards was developed from the ground up with an emphasis on community-based marine shoreline protection.

What are the future plans for the program?

Since its launch on Camano Island in 2003, Shore Stewards has spread from Island County to Kitsap, Mason, Jefferson, Snohomish, Skagit, Clallam and Whatcom counties. We expect it will soon reach the remaining counties of Puget Sound.