Washington House Democrats

January 31, 2007

OLYMPIA—With tensions mounting between property owners, environmentalists, and shellfish growers; Rep. Patricia Lantz (D-Gig Harbor), introduced legislation this past week to create new guidelines for large scale geoduck cultivating on local beaches.

Over the past year, the proverbial line has been drawn in the sand, as local residents in Key Peninsula have mobilized against a recent proposal to commercially farm geoducks on local beaches.

The question: what is the balance between the use of private land and the rights of the community? What is the environmental impact of large scale aquaculture farms? Can we balance the needs of one of an industry that brings in anywhere from $30 to $40 million a year with those who want to enjoy our beaches?

This Friday the House Select Committee on Puget Sound will conduct a hearing on House Bill 1547, examining geoduck aquaculture techniques and practices, to search for answers to many of the questions surrounding the controversial industry.

What: Public hearing on House Bill 1547, examining geoduck aquaculture techniques.

When: Friday, February 2, 2007 at 8:00am

Where: House Hearing Room B, John L. O'Brien Building, Olympia, WA.

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Contact: Rep. Patricia Lantz (360) 786-7964

Staff Contact: Adrienne Stuart (360) 786-7964 or Derek Baker (360) 786-7697

Link to House Bill 1547:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2007&bill=1547

Radio and TV news directors: For broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange TV or radio interviews, contact Dan Frizzell, House Democratic Caucus broadcast coordinator, at frizzell.dan@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208