I am a fourth generation Bainbridge Islander that grew up playing on the sandspit and now have a home on the lagoon. I am also an environmentalist and a believer in private property rights. The city’s current Shore Line Management proposal to designate the lagoon as an Aquatic Conservancy which requires restoration and removal of all overwater structures, with the long term goal of returning it to its natural state is absurd.

The waterfront homeowners here are the most respectful of the marine environment. My husband and I share a dock with three other families. The sides of the dock are covered with mussels and sea anemones.

The dock is used by herons and kingfishers to fish, a raccoon to  eat the mussels, otters to play, fish to hide and humans to dock a few small boats. Our rock bulkhead is home for barnacles, crab, mice and other creatures. This is a symbiotic existence which we should all strive for.

What is threatening the lagoon is the city. The city has a huge culvert carrying road run off, dirt, silt and chemicals directly into the lagoon smothering marine life. I have brought this to the city’s attention many times to no avail. The city should examine their own environmental impact. Instead they are busy making arbitrary designations which gravely impact the private property owner.

The city should accept the State of Washington’s shoreline rules and regulations, drop the term nonconforming for existing properties and grandfather them in as is. Classifying the lagoon as an Aquatic Conservancy will only result in an expensive law suit. Police  people arbitrarily, and they will rebel. Educate people and they will do the right thing.

Connie Junge Golon

Point Monroe Drive