"The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) handbook represents a compilation of the "best practices" contained in existing shoreline master programs. Most master programs were developed and adopted close to ten years ago, and many cities and counties are now working on amendments to update their plans and to address emerging issues. The handbook is designed to provide a comprehensive set of policies and regulations upon which local jurisdictions can draw in developing future master program amendments."--Page 1.

"This study was initiated by the Washington State Dept. of Ecology as part of a broad evaluation of the State's shoreline management program ... The primary purpose of this study was to prepare a Shoreline Master Program Handbook which compiles the "best practices" from existing master programs to aid local jurisdictions in developing future amendments to their master programs ... The project began with a survey of 30 local jurisdictions, designed to collect information on the strengths and weaknesses of existing master programs. The jurisdictions surveyed were selected to represent a complete range of shoreline types, jurisdiction sizes and locations in the state. A questionnaire was mailed to each jurisdiction, and responses were recorded during a subsequent interview, either in-person or by phone."--Page 1.