Managing Aquatic Reserves

DNR and its partners manage each aquatic reserve in a manner that is consistent with goals for the type of reserve that has been established: ecological, scientific, or educational. These goals are described in a management plan prepared for each site, which is developed with extensive public and stakeholder input. The development of these management plans is guided by the:

●	Aquatic Reserve Non-Project Final Environmental Impact Statement
●	Aquatic Reserves Program Implementation and Design Guidance

Managed Activities in Aquatic Reserves

Examples of management strategies in existing reserves include:

Marinas—Install pump outs and replace creosote and other treated wood products with non-treated materials during standard maintenance.

Recreational Docks—Encourage community docks to be built with low-impact design to minimize shading of habitat. Limit new docks and encourage all dock owners to use appropriate installation methods, build at appropriate locations, and perform appropriate maintenance.

Outreach & Education—Provide preservation, restoration, enhancement and environmental educational activities.

Research & Monitoring—Partner with organizations to conduct scientific research and monitoring.

Mooring buoys—Work with residents who own mooring buoys learn methods to protect eelgrass beds and habitats.

Recreational Use—Promote and encourage sustainable public recreational activities within aquatic reserves. Work with stakeholders and citizens to determine whether additional public access is needed in reserves.

DNR prepared the Aquatic Reserve Plan Development presentation that illustrates some of these activities at the current Aquatic Reserves

Many Activities Are Unaffected by Aquatic Reserve Designation

State aquatic reserves are a management tool that DNR uses to ensure protection of unique aquatic habitats and sites currently managed by DNR. The designation of an area as an aquatic reserve will not alter those uses that are not currently managed by DNR.

Activities that are not affected by aquatic reserve designation include:

●	Tribal Treaty Rights
●	Commercial and recreational fishing
●	Commercial and recreational activities on private tidelands
●	Upland property rights
●	Boating and swimming