Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to join Shore Stewards?
All individuals who own or rent property on the shoreline of Whidbey and Camano islands, or who live in communities with shared beach access. Parks, businesses, farms, port districts and other shoreline property owners also may join.
How do I join?
Simply fill out an application for certification of your property. Your application will be reviewed by a team of Washington State University (WSU) Beach Watcher volunteers and within one to two weeks you'll be notified of acceptance into the program.
How long will it take to fill out the application?
About five minutes.
How do I get an application?
Contact the WSU Extension office or download an application directly from this site 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 window decal
- Shore Stewards 12x18 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 certify my property?
Your stewardship will make a difference to all life-forms of the diverse nearshore ecosystem and will help preserve the beauty of this area.
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? Can I still participate?
Of course. From low-bank, bulkheaded properties to high bluffs with natural beaches, the program is open to all shoreline property owners.
What are the 10 guidelines for shoreline living?
- Use water wisely.
- Maintain your septic system.
- Limit pesticide and fertilizer usage.
- Manage upland water runoff.
- Encourage native plants and trees.
- Know permit procedures for shoreline development.
- Develop on bluffs with care.
- Minimize bulkheads, docks and other structures.
- Respect intertidal life.
- Preserve eelgrass beds and forage fish spawning habitat.
How did you develop the program's guidelines?
The Camano Island 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 my property is certified, 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 will 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.
You will also have the opportunity to participate in special workshops and field trips just for Shore Stewards conducted by local and regional experts in landscaping, ecology, water conservation, shoreline development, wildlife biology and more.
Why did you create this program?
Shore Stewards was created to help shoreline residents feel more connected to the nearshore ecosystem. When you understand the natural processes at work on your beach, you may play a more active, positive role in the preservation of healthy, fish-friendly wildlife habitats.
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?
Following the initial Camano Island launch, the program is now expanding to Whidbey Island and other parts of Puget Sound. Shore Stewards is attracting interest nationwide and overseas and may eventually spread far beyond Puget Sound.
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