(1) The economy of the Straits regional planning area changed dramatically from the 1980s to the 1990s. Traditionally, the area relied heavily on fishing and the forestry industry. Changing federal and State regulations have shifted the local economy from a heavy reliance on resource industries to refocus efforts on development of tourism and expansion of local industries. The effect on the economy in the Joyce area has been lessened by its location near the City of Port Angeles. If the west end of the Straits area is to prosper, more effort must be focused on actively marketing the area for tourism, recreation, and retirement-related development. Additional local employment opportunities could be fostered by encouraging careful development of the aquaculture industry, and utilizing local workers in stream restoration projects to enhance fisheries. The Clallam Bay Corrections Center will continue to provide a stable base of local employment. Future expansion of this facility or development of related industries will be encouraged.

(2) While development of an aquaculture industry is a strong focus of economic development efforts in the western portion of the Straits Planning Region, the eastern portion of the region is much more reserved in its support for aquaculture. Concern focuses on the issues of unintended environmental hazards such as water pollution from fish waste and chemically treated fish food as well as degradation of native fish stocks. Early experience with fish pens at Whiskey Creek indicate that workable technologies and economic feasibility must be carefully studied prior to the establishment of successful aquaculture operations. Residents of the eastern portion of the Straits Planning Region do support land-based aquaculture, continued research efforts and off-shore fish farms fronting State forestlands.

(3) Political and environmental concerns have brought about significant changes in the commercial forest land base and the way timber resources are managed. Some of the elements which have contributed to this change include severe reductions in timber harvests on National Forest lands and large areas being set aside on State and private lands in compliance with forest practices regulations. The changes in forest land management in recent years have brought changes in the work force required. While some traditional job opportunities in timber harvesting, road construction and silviculture will continue to be available, new opportunities will be available for highly trained people involved in resource management activities such as watershed restoration, watershed analysis, habitat enhancement and wildlife population surveys. The County should encourage forest managers to make decisions based on best management practices and forest practice regulations. The County should support education efforts which help the public understand forest practices in order to avoid imposition of regulations which do not support good forest management practices.

(4) Although growth management is often viewed as limiting growth, it is really about directing growth into areas where adequate public facilities and services exist or can be provided in an efficient manner. In the past, growth has often been allowed with little consideration to the impact on such services and facilities as schools, parks, transportation, water and sewer, stormwater, fire protection and law enforcement. In times of shrinking public revenue, it is prudent management to focus scarce resources into concentrated urban growth areas so that growth will not decrease current service levels below locally established minimum standards. The Clallam Bay-Sekiu urban growth area has abundant capacity in its sewer and water facilities to accommodate growth.