Bainbridge Islanders who think the city’s update of its Shoreline Master Program is something that only waterfront property owners should worry about should think again.

The program itself is vital. A state requirement, the city’s Shoreline Master Program dictates how the island’s shoreline properties can be used, developed, enhanced, protected and preserved.

Regulating what happens along the shore is essential for protecting water quality in Puget Sound, for promoting the public’s access to the water, and for protecting fish, wildlife and critical habitat. In short, it helps preserve what makes this island a unique and world-class place to call home.

Many property owners have been worried about buffers, and that overly restrictive rules will hurt property values or limit the ability of people to enjoy their shoreside lands.

Property owners should realize, however, that activities and uses that they have long taken for granted — trails to the beach, trimming trees for a view of the water, building docks or boat-storage structures, removing invasive plants from the shoreline — are all allowable parts of an updated plan.

All islanders have a vested interest in the city of Bainbridge Island’s updated program, given that we all share the benefits of a healthy shoreline, and that we all have a stake in how the updated program will impact our public parks and access points along the shoreline.

The council has set out a proposed schedule of public meetings stretching from May through September, with opportunities for comment at each of the eight or nine meetings.

Residents should take the time to attend to share their comments and concerns with the council, or better yet, send the city their input in writing, before the council adopts the updated program in the fall. A shoreline plan that’s been rewritten based on the input of all islanders is the best plan for Bainbridge Island.