Public hearing scheduled for proposed no shooting zone in Drayton Harbor

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Whatcom County Council will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, October 8 regarding a proposed no shooting zone that the city of Blaine is seeking to establish in Drayton Harbor.

The public hearing will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8 at the Whatcom County Courthouse, 311 Grand Avenue, Bellingham.

The city of Blaine is seeking the creation of a no shooting zone in Drayton Harbor, in order to address some residents’ concerns about gunfire near homes and property. The gunfire occurs during the waterfowl hunting season, which typically starts in late October and runs through late January. During the season, hunters on boats shoot at sea ducks using birdshot, which can be heard as early as sunrise by those who live near the harbor.

Hunters said that there is no danger to nearby homeowners, but admitted that their activities can generate some noise. However, at the July 8 city council meeting, a resolution was passed unanimously seeking the designation of all the aquatic areas and tidelands within Drayton Harbor located within Whatcom County as a no shooting zone.

The city of Blaine brought its resolution to Whatcom County Council, which is now considering the matter. The county council has authority to create a no shooting zone pursuant to section 9.32 of the Whatcom County Code, which enables the creation of no shooting zones if the county council “finds that such creation would be in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare.”

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