In 2007, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners passed Ordinance #08-1017-07 to create the Jefferson County Clean Water District with the purpose of improving and maintaining surface and marine water quality. The Clean Water District is administered by Jefferson County Public Health. On July 27, 2009, Public Health will review with the Board of County Commissioners the services provided by the District and discuss a possible new source of funding. A potential public hearing for August 10 will also be discussed.
As the population of the Puget Sound region has increased, several shoreline counties have experienced declines in surface water quality. Shellfish beds in Mason, Thurston, Kitsap, and King Counties have been downgraded recently by the Washington State Department of Health. Locally, Jefferson County staff is currently responding to documented threats to shellfish and marine waters in Mats Mats Bay, Hood Canal, and Discovery Bay as well as the fresh waters of Chimacum Creek.
Jefferson County surface water resources are valued for countless recreational, cultural and economic opportunities and for supporting the health, well-being, and natural resources heritage of county residents. The Clean Water District covers eastern Jefferson County, and includes over 200 miles of marine shoreline and a similar number of stream miles. Tourism is linked to the county’s reputation for pristine waters and its unparalleled opportunities for collecting and enjoying shellfish. The County’s commercial shellfish industry also depends on clean water, and contributes $18-20 million dollars to the county’s economy annually.
Since creation of the Clean Water District, the State’s Centennial Clean Water grants have provided the majority (75%) of funding for district activities with the required matching contribution (25%) coming from the county’s general fund. However, the economic downturn now requires a review of all general fund expenditures for 2010 and beyond. An alternative source of funding is necessary in order to provide the monitoring, analysis, and other services necessary to improving already degraded surface waters and ensuring that at-risk watersheds are not adversely affected by continued urban or rural development. Water quality data collected under the Clean Water District is essential to informing land managers, elected officials, and the public about the effectiveness of efforts to protect the County’s waters.
Public education is a core element of current District efforts. Staff is providing outreach and technical assistance to homeowners regarding proper septic system maintenance and increasing system longevity. Where repairs are unavoidable, staff provides information about the availability of low-interest loans to correct problems.
With the District in place and adequately funded, the County is better situated to respond pro-actively to water quality problems while they are small and relatively inexpensive to correct. By regularly monitoring the status of surface waters and speaking with the people in charge of maintaining them, Jefferson County increases the likelihood that water quality will respond favorably to the growth and development of local communities.
Like the economy, grant funds are cyclical. They also require a local matching contribution. Jefferson County has been successful in obtaining grants in the past, and these funds continue to support the state of knowledge on local surface waters. However, the ability to meet current grant obligations and to secure future grants depends on a consistent source of local matching funds.
On July 27, the BOCC will discuss the possibility of charging a $5 per parcel fee to eastern Jefferson County land owners in the Clean Water District. No fee is proposed within the City of Port Townsend, and within the Master Planned Resort of Port Ludlow where sewage treatment and other services exist. Disabled persons and senior citizens throughout the District who have been approved for property tax exemptions would also be exempt from the fee. If enacted, a $5 per parcel fee would generate approximately $88,000 per year of dedicated revenue to help meet the County’s $128,000 annual state grant match requirement, starting in 2010.
The Board of County Commissioners will have an opportunity to set an August 10, 2009 Public Hearing to consider amending the county code to establish the Clean Water District fee. The Public Hearing would be at 11:00 am August 10 in the Board of County Commissioner Chambers.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 3, 2009
Global Warming May Impede Eelgrass Growth
Scientist Ron Thom probably knows more than anyone else about the growth of eelgrass, the humble marine plant commonly found in sheltered bays, inlets and other shallow waters.
Each summer, he and other researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory here tread patiently along the muddy tidal flats of Sequim Bay counting, snipping and tagging strands of the plant that's so crucial to shoreline ecosystems.
Thom, a staff scientist at the Marine Sciences Laboratory, started the research almost 20 years ago. It's become the world's longest-running study measuring eelgrass growth.
Pollution and shoreline development have killed much of the world's eelgrass. Now, Thom's work has attracted widespread attention for data that suggest the plant's growth also could be vulnerable to changes in climate.
"Growth rate is so important with these plants because they are producing habitat for so many things," Thom said. "We typically don't have these long-term data sets to evaluate these things."
Eelgrass, native to Puget Sound, is found along the entire West Coast and throughout the Northern hemisphere.
The plant provides habitat for young salmon, shellfish and birds, and helps prevent shoreline erosion.
It grows in large clusters or as individual plants. In Puget Sound the thin, ribbonlike plants grow everywhere from shallow waters to depths greater than 30 feet.
Thom's study suggests that yearly eelgrass growth changes according to variations in climate. For example, during warmer, wetter years, eelgrass plants in shallow water grow faster. But when temperatures in the Northwest are cooler, Thom's data has shown less growth.
"The bottom line is, climate affects plants," Thom said, adding that eelgrass is most sensitive to changes in temperature and sea level.
The variations in climate known as El Niño and La Niña have caused different growth rates in eelgrass, the study has found.
During El Niño, scientists have measured higher sea levels and warmer temperatures in the Northwest — changes similar to those predicted under global warming. So scientists can look at how eelgrass responds during El Niño to see how it might behave as the Earth warms, Thom said.
But it's still unclear whether a warmer Earth will help or hurt eelgrass. Shallow-water eelgrass tends to grow faster when sea level is higher, Thom said. But for eelgrass that grows deep below the surface, a rise in the sea level could diminish its access to light, killing the plants, he said.
Thom started keeping track of eelgrass growth in Sequim Bay nearly two decades ago as a project for summer interns. Over the years, he has returned to the same plot of tidelands to collect more data. Thom started noticing a strong connection between eelgrass growth rates and different climate patterns.
At the mouth of Sequim Bay, researchers and interns measure eelgrass every two weeks during the summer. They poke a hole at the base of each plant using a hypodermic needle, then return two weeks later to harvest each plant.
Back in the lab, they find the marked spot in each plant. They snip and save all of the new plant growth, dry it in an oven, then weigh it for a precise biomass reading. Those numbers go into the database to be compared with past and future measurements.
Eelgrass is declining worldwide and has disappeared completely from a number of sites in Puget Sound, said Jeff Gaeckle, a sea-grass ecologist with the state Department of Natural Resources. Its Soundwide eelgrass-monitoring program is the largest on the West Coast and seeks to track changes in eelgrass abundance.
The good news is that overall in Puget Sound, eelgrass isn't declining year to year. But several locations, mostly in Hood Canal and the San Juan Islands, are seeing decreases, which has scientists concerned, Gaeckle said.
"It's hard to pinpoint what's causing the changes," he said. Scientists suspect development, polluted runoff, commercial fishing, and now changes in climate as possible reasons.
Thom plans to submit his findings on eelgrass growth for publication later this summer. He said he's concerned that a large-scale eelgrass die-off could happen in Sequim Bay, like in other parts of the Sound. He also will continue the study, with the hope that his data will help provide more answers on what's affecting the plant.
Losing eelgrass could hurt the future survival of fisheries and impact the economy worldwide, Thom said.
"There is a big, big concern," he said.
Each summer, he and other researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory here tread patiently along the muddy tidal flats of Sequim Bay counting, snipping and tagging strands of the plant that's so crucial to shoreline ecosystems.
Thom, a staff scientist at the Marine Sciences Laboratory, started the research almost 20 years ago. It's become the world's longest-running study measuring eelgrass growth.
Pollution and shoreline development have killed much of the world's eelgrass. Now, Thom's work has attracted widespread attention for data that suggest the plant's growth also could be vulnerable to changes in climate.
"Growth rate is so important with these plants because they are producing habitat for so many things," Thom said. "We typically don't have these long-term data sets to evaluate these things."
Eelgrass, native to Puget Sound, is found along the entire West Coast and throughout the Northern hemisphere.
The plant provides habitat for young salmon, shellfish and birds, and helps prevent shoreline erosion.
It grows in large clusters or as individual plants. In Puget Sound the thin, ribbonlike plants grow everywhere from shallow waters to depths greater than 30 feet.
Thom's study suggests that yearly eelgrass growth changes according to variations in climate. For example, during warmer, wetter years, eelgrass plants in shallow water grow faster. But when temperatures in the Northwest are cooler, Thom's data has shown less growth.
"The bottom line is, climate affects plants," Thom said, adding that eelgrass is most sensitive to changes in temperature and sea level.
The variations in climate known as El Niño and La Niña have caused different growth rates in eelgrass, the study has found.
During El Niño, scientists have measured higher sea levels and warmer temperatures in the Northwest — changes similar to those predicted under global warming. So scientists can look at how eelgrass responds during El Niño to see how it might behave as the Earth warms, Thom said.
But it's still unclear whether a warmer Earth will help or hurt eelgrass. Shallow-water eelgrass tends to grow faster when sea level is higher, Thom said. But for eelgrass that grows deep below the surface, a rise in the sea level could diminish its access to light, killing the plants, he said.
Thom started keeping track of eelgrass growth in Sequim Bay nearly two decades ago as a project for summer interns. Over the years, he has returned to the same plot of tidelands to collect more data. Thom started noticing a strong connection between eelgrass growth rates and different climate patterns.
At the mouth of Sequim Bay, researchers and interns measure eelgrass every two weeks during the summer. They poke a hole at the base of each plant using a hypodermic needle, then return two weeks later to harvest each plant.
Back in the lab, they find the marked spot in each plant. They snip and save all of the new plant growth, dry it in an oven, then weigh it for a precise biomass reading. Those numbers go into the database to be compared with past and future measurements.
Eelgrass is declining worldwide and has disappeared completely from a number of sites in Puget Sound, said Jeff Gaeckle, a sea-grass ecologist with the state Department of Natural Resources. Its Soundwide eelgrass-monitoring program is the largest on the West Coast and seeks to track changes in eelgrass abundance.
The good news is that overall in Puget Sound, eelgrass isn't declining year to year. But several locations, mostly in Hood Canal and the San Juan Islands, are seeing decreases, which has scientists concerned, Gaeckle said.
"It's hard to pinpoint what's causing the changes," he said. Scientists suspect development, polluted runoff, commercial fishing, and now changes in climate as possible reasons.
Thom plans to submit his findings on eelgrass growth for publication later this summer. He said he's concerned that a large-scale eelgrass die-off could happen in Sequim Bay, like in other parts of the Sound. He also will continue the study, with the hope that his data will help provide more answers on what's affecting the plant.
Losing eelgrass could hurt the future survival of fisheries and impact the economy worldwide, Thom said.
"There is a big, big concern," he said.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Derelict Fishing Net Project Funded through NOAA
Mount Vernon, WA - The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative has been awarded $4.6 million in economic stimulus funding from NOAA, to pull derelict fishing nets from Puget Sound. These funds, directed to the non-profit Foundation arm of the Northwest Straits Initiative, will allow the immediate hire of vessels and crews to remove an estimated 3000 nets from the seafloor. The project will employ 40 people, restore 645 acres of marine habitat, and will be completed in 18 months.
“Derelict fishing nets are actively killing enormous numbers of fish, seabirds and other marine animals. We now have the funding needed to get 90% of the derelict nets out of Puget Sound forever. These waters will be safer for boaters, divers, and marine life” said Ginny Broadhurst, Secretary of the Northwest Straits Foundation.
The derelict fishing gear project will stimulate the marine economy in Puget Sound by creating 40 living wage jobs, at a time when this economic sector is severely impacted by the national economic downturn. “We’re going to employ people who wouldn’t be working without this project, and the work is incredibly valuable to Puget Sound” said Broadhurst. In addition to creating jobs and restoring marine habitat, the project will protect crabs and fish valued commercially in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Since 2002, the Northwest Straits Initiative has removed over 1200 derelict fishing nets, restoring more than 240 acres of marine habitat, and saving millions of animals from incidental death each year.
“Derelict fishing nets are actively killing enormous numbers of fish, seabirds and other marine animals. We now have the funding needed to get 90% of the derelict nets out of Puget Sound forever. These waters will be safer for boaters, divers, and marine life” said Ginny Broadhurst, Secretary of the Northwest Straits Foundation.
The derelict fishing gear project will stimulate the marine economy in Puget Sound by creating 40 living wage jobs, at a time when this economic sector is severely impacted by the national economic downturn. “We’re going to employ people who wouldn’t be working without this project, and the work is incredibly valuable to Puget Sound” said Broadhurst. In addition to creating jobs and restoring marine habitat, the project will protect crabs and fish valued commercially in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Since 2002, the Northwest Straits Initiative has removed over 1200 derelict fishing nets, restoring more than 240 acres of marine habitat, and saving millions of animals from incidental death each year.
NAVY TO PREPARE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR
COMMANDER,
NAVY REGION NORTHWEST
Sheila Murray, Environmental Public Affairs Officer
1100 Hunley Rd., Silverdale, WA 98315-1100
Phone: (360) 396-4981 Fax: (360) 396-7127
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2009
Release # 06-181-16
SILVERDALE, Wash. — The U.S. Navy announces an opportunity for the public to learn and comment at an open house on a proposed tidal energy kinetic hydropower system (KHPS) demonstration project in Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound, offshore of Marrowstone Island.
The KHPS demonstration would provide environmental and operational information to help better understand the operating capabilities and environmental effects of tidal kinetic hydropower systems.
Public comments will help the Navy to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the installation, one year operation, and removal of the KHPS turbines, turbine foundation, power cable, monitoring equipment, and onshore facilities.
This EA is being developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
The public is encouraged to attend an open house to learn more about the proposed KHPS demonstration project and to comment on environmental aspects to be addressed in the EA.
Two open houses will be held:
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Chimacum Elementary School Library
91 W Valley Rd.
Chimacum, WA 98325
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Voyager Middle School Multipurpose Room
11711 4th Ave W
Everett, WA 98204
NAVY REGION NORTHWEST
Sheila Murray, Environmental Public Affairs Officer
1100 Hunley Rd., Silverdale, WA 98315-1100
Phone: (360) 396-4981 Fax: (360) 396-7127
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 30, 2009
Release # 06-181-16
SILVERDALE, Wash. — The U.S. Navy announces an opportunity for the public to learn and comment at an open house on a proposed tidal energy kinetic hydropower system (KHPS) demonstration project in Admiralty Inlet, Puget Sound, offshore of Marrowstone Island.
The KHPS demonstration would provide environmental and operational information to help better understand the operating capabilities and environmental effects of tidal kinetic hydropower systems.
Public comments will help the Navy to prepare an Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental effects associated with the installation, one year operation, and removal of the KHPS turbines, turbine foundation, power cable, monitoring equipment, and onshore facilities.
This EA is being developed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
The public is encouraged to attend an open house to learn more about the proposed KHPS demonstration project and to comment on environmental aspects to be addressed in the EA.
Two open houses will be held:
Date: Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Chimacum Elementary School Library
91 W Valley Rd.
Chimacum, WA 98325
Date: Thursday, July 16, 2009
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Voyager Middle School Multipurpose Room
11711 4th Ave W
Everett, WA 98204
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Murray Includes $1.6 Million to Protect and Conserve Marine
Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that she included $1.6 million in funding for the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative in a fiscal year 2010 Senate spending bill. The funding will help protect and restore marine waters, habitats and species at priority sites along the Northwest Straits, which run through Clallam, Island, Jefferson, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties.
"The Northwest Straits Initiative is leading the nation in showing what an innovative, grassroots conservation effort can be," said Senator Patty Murray. "This funding will allow the nationally-recognized group to continue and expand upon their excellent work researching, restoring, and conserving our marine environment.”
“The Northwest Straits Initiative was created out of concern for dwindling marine resources and damaged habitats in the Northwest Straits region,” said Ginny Broadhurst, Director of the Northwest Straits Initiative. “Our structure recognizes that local residents can and should be part of the solution to protect and restore the marine environment. With seven Marine
Resources Committees and 112 members, thousands of volunteer hours, and hundreds of successful projects, we demonstrate that citizen stewards working on local restoration and conservation projects are powerful, effective and necessary.”
The Northwest Straits Initiative works to restore and protect marine habitat in the straits, which promotes ecosystem health and strengthens the Northwest Straits’ marine-based economy. Using community input and grassroots support, the Northwest Straits Commission is able to design projects that target the most urgent ongoing and emerging issues in the marine environment.
Since it was first authorized by Congress in 1998, Senator Murray has helped secure over $10 million for the Northwest Straits Initiative. Earlier this year she also partnered with Rick Larsen (D-WA 2nd) to author legislation that will ensure the continuation of the Northwest Straits Initiative for several more years to come.
The NSCMI was first created in 1997 when Senator Murray and Republican Congressman Jack Metcalf joined forces to create a local advisory commission to address marine issues. At a time when few thought their experiment would work, their coordinated efforts were able to bring together opposing stakeholders and create an innovative, successful program for restoring and protecting marine habitats.
The funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill, which passed in the Subcommittee today and will now move to the full Appropriations Committee. Senator Murray is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.
"The Northwest Straits Initiative is leading the nation in showing what an innovative, grassroots conservation effort can be," said Senator Patty Murray. "This funding will allow the nationally-recognized group to continue and expand upon their excellent work researching, restoring, and conserving our marine environment.”
“The Northwest Straits Initiative was created out of concern for dwindling marine resources and damaged habitats in the Northwest Straits region,” said Ginny Broadhurst, Director of the Northwest Straits Initiative. “Our structure recognizes that local residents can and should be part of the solution to protect and restore the marine environment. With seven Marine
Resources Committees and 112 members, thousands of volunteer hours, and hundreds of successful projects, we demonstrate that citizen stewards working on local restoration and conservation projects are powerful, effective and necessary.”
The Northwest Straits Initiative works to restore and protect marine habitat in the straits, which promotes ecosystem health and strengthens the Northwest Straits’ marine-based economy. Using community input and grassroots support, the Northwest Straits Commission is able to design projects that target the most urgent ongoing and emerging issues in the marine environment.
Since it was first authorized by Congress in 1998, Senator Murray has helped secure over $10 million for the Northwest Straits Initiative. Earlier this year she also partnered with Rick Larsen (D-WA 2nd) to author legislation that will ensure the continuation of the Northwest Straits Initiative for several more years to come.
The NSCMI was first created in 1997 when Senator Murray and Republican Congressman Jack Metcalf joined forces to create a local advisory commission to address marine issues. At a time when few thought their experiment would work, their coordinated efforts were able to bring together opposing stakeholders and create an innovative, successful program for restoring and protecting marine habitats.
The funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill, which passed in the Subcommittee today and will now move to the full Appropriations Committee. Senator Murray is a senior member of the Appropriations Committee.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Sunshine Fuels Algae Blooms in State’s Fresh and Marine Waters
OLYMPIA – Blue skies, sunshine and warm temperatures aren’t just making our lawns and gardens grow, they are also contributing to algae blooms in our state’s fresh and marine waters.
An algae bloom is the visible appearance of millions of tiny plant-like organisms in the water.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and many other jurisdictions are currently monitoring algae concentrations in waters across the state. Blooms are occurring right now in Anderson Lake and Lake Leland in Jefferson County, and in Waughop Lake in Pierce County. Marine waters are also showing blooms in parts of Hood Canal and Puget Sound.
With nice weather forecast for the weekend, people may encounter waters with visible algae blooms while they are enjoying the outdoors. Blooms are naturally occurring and common during sunny weather.
Some types of blooms can produce toxins that can make people sick if they are exposed to the toxins. This is especially true for small children and the elderly. Pets can die after drinking water with a toxic bloom.
Other types of blooms may not be toxic, but they can be an environmental concern because when algae die, they sink and decay, which strips oxygen from the water. Aquatic life needs oxygen to survive.
Sometimes algae blooms look like spilled paint, oil or sewage. The public can report any suspected spill or algae bloom to the state by calling 800-OILS-911. You can also learn more about lake algae and sign up to receive emails about lake algae blooms by visiting Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program Web site at: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/algae/index.html or visit King County’s lakes Web site at: green.kingcounty.gov/lakes/Bloom.aspx.
Nutrients that get into our waters feed algae blooms. Nutrients, which are substances that contain nitrogen and/or phosphorus, come from a complex variety of natural and human sources and pathways, including wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, groundwater, rivers, fertilizers and polluted runoff.
Ecology is taking steps in Puget Sound to determine how human activities along with natural factors affect nutrient and low dissolved oxygen levels. Ecology’s South Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Study is helping determine how humans impact this natural process. The study will inform actions to improve water quality.
People can help keep nutrients out of Washington waters.
· Your yard – Reduce the use of fertilizers and don’t overwater.
· Your dog -- Scoop, bag and trash dog poop.
· Your home septic tank -- Check it, fix it, maintain it.
· Your baby -- Keep dirty diapers out of the water.
· Your automatic dishwasher -- Use low or no-phosphate soaps, especially if you live on a lake and you use a home septic system.
· Your car -- Don’t feed soap to the storm drain. Wash your car on the lawn or at a commercial car wash.
To learn more about what you can do to keep our waters clean, visit Ecology’s water education website, Washington Waters – Ours to Protect at www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/
Additional algae bloom information:
Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program:
www.hoodcanal.washington.edu/observations/bloom_fishkill.jsp
Ecology’s Marine Monitoring Program
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/mwm_intr.html
An algae bloom is the visible appearance of millions of tiny plant-like organisms in the water.
The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) and many other jurisdictions are currently monitoring algae concentrations in waters across the state. Blooms are occurring right now in Anderson Lake and Lake Leland in Jefferson County, and in Waughop Lake in Pierce County. Marine waters are also showing blooms in parts of Hood Canal and Puget Sound.
With nice weather forecast for the weekend, people may encounter waters with visible algae blooms while they are enjoying the outdoors. Blooms are naturally occurring and common during sunny weather.
Some types of blooms can produce toxins that can make people sick if they are exposed to the toxins. This is especially true for small children and the elderly. Pets can die after drinking water with a toxic bloom.
Other types of blooms may not be toxic, but they can be an environmental concern because when algae die, they sink and decay, which strips oxygen from the water. Aquatic life needs oxygen to survive.
Sometimes algae blooms look like spilled paint, oil or sewage. The public can report any suspected spill or algae bloom to the state by calling 800-OILS-911. You can also learn more about lake algae and sign up to receive emails about lake algae blooms by visiting Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Program Web site at: www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/algae/index.html or visit King County’s lakes Web site at: green.kingcounty.gov/lakes/Bloom.aspx.
Nutrients that get into our waters feed algae blooms. Nutrients, which are substances that contain nitrogen and/or phosphorus, come from a complex variety of natural and human sources and pathways, including wastewater treatment plants, septic systems, groundwater, rivers, fertilizers and polluted runoff.
Ecology is taking steps in Puget Sound to determine how human activities along with natural factors affect nutrient and low dissolved oxygen levels. Ecology’s South Puget Sound Dissolved Oxygen Study is helping determine how humans impact this natural process. The study will inform actions to improve water quality.
People can help keep nutrients out of Washington waters.
· Your yard – Reduce the use of fertilizers and don’t overwater.
· Your dog -- Scoop, bag and trash dog poop.
· Your home septic tank -- Check it, fix it, maintain it.
· Your baby -- Keep dirty diapers out of the water.
· Your automatic dishwasher -- Use low or no-phosphate soaps, especially if you live on a lake and you use a home septic system.
· Your car -- Don’t feed soap to the storm drain. Wash your car on the lawn or at a commercial car wash.
To learn more about what you can do to keep our waters clean, visit Ecology’s water education website, Washington Waters – Ours to Protect at www.ecy.wa.gov/washington_waters/
Additional algae bloom information:
Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program:
www.hoodcanal.washington.edu/observations/bloom_fishkill.jsp
Ecology’s Marine Monitoring Program
www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/eap/mar_wat/mwm_intr.html
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
2008 National Wetlands Award
CONGRATULATIONS to Peter Bahls for receiving a 2008 National Wetlands Award for Conservation and Restoration! Our local Tarboo shorelines and watersheds are fortunate to have someone like Peter working hard for protection and improvement. He was the only one of seven recipients from the Pacific NW.
Read more about the awards – including photos of last week’s Washington D.C. ceremony - at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/about.htm, and about Peter’s work at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/awardees.htm#bahls.
Read more about the awards – including photos of last week’s Washington D.C. ceremony - at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/about.htm, and about Peter’s work at http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/awardees.htm#bahls.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Tree Workshop
Do you have trees on your property? Or plan to plant trees? Wonder which trees will serve your purposes? How to ensure their health? Or determine if they have become a hazard? The tree workshop on February 28th is a great opportunity for you! Come armed with your questions and ready to learn.Join us at 10am for the presentation on “Tree Risk Management” and then put your questions to our panel of local tree experts.
The workshop is sponsored by WSU Extension, Jefferson County Marine Resources Committee and WSU Shore Stewards. It coincides with the Jefferson County Conservation District’s annual native plant sale so you can attend the workshop and purchase plants in the same trip.
When: Saturday February 28th from 10 am-Noon
Where: Spruce Room at WSU Jefferson County Extension, Port Hadlock
Please register by calling Sally 360-379-5610 ext. 200.
Upcoming Workshops
Sea Level Rise and Intertidal Eelgrass Productivity in Padilla Bay, Washington: A Field and Modeling Study February 4, 2009, 2pm,Padilla Bay Reserve. Presenters: John M. Rybczyk and Peter Kairis. Dept. of Environmental Science, Western WA. U.
Puget Sound Circulation and Habitat Restoration February 5, 2009, 7 p.m.,Bellingham. Hosted by the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee, Dr. Tarang Khangaonkar will present a high-resolution circulation model of Puget Sound, developed to help improve restoration projects in estuaries and nearshore areas.
Planning for Climate Change—New Course from the Coastal Training Program March 4, 2009 Mount Vernon. March 18,2009 Lacey. This class was developed and customized for the Coastal Training Program audience and is directed toward the practical needs of planners. Presenters will cover projected impacts of climate change to our region, strategies for adapting, implications of our current state regulations, and more.
Building Better Projects - Salmon Habitat Conference April 15-16, 2009Shelton WAThe second habitat conference for salmon recovery grant recipients. Share information about what projects work, lesson learned, and how to make the next projects even better. Sessions on the following types of projects: restoration, acquisition, nearshore and estuary, fish screening and passage.
Puget Sound Circulation and Habitat Restoration February 5, 2009, 7 p.m.,Bellingham. Hosted by the Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee, Dr. Tarang Khangaonkar will present a high-resolution circulation model of Puget Sound, developed to help improve restoration projects in estuaries and nearshore areas.
Planning for Climate Change—New Course from the Coastal Training Program March 4, 2009 Mount Vernon. March 18,2009 Lacey. This class was developed and customized for the Coastal Training Program audience and is directed toward the practical needs of planners. Presenters will cover projected impacts of climate change to our region, strategies for adapting, implications of our current state regulations, and more.
Building Better Projects - Salmon Habitat Conference April 15-16, 2009Shelton WAThe second habitat conference for salmon recovery grant recipients. Share information about what projects work, lesson learned, and how to make the next projects even better. Sessions on the following types of projects: restoration, acquisition, nearshore and estuary, fish screening and passage.
Monday, February 2, 2009
BOCC Names Two to the MRC
On Monday, February 2, 2009, the Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) named two people to fill vacancies on the Marine Resources Committee (MRC). Jerry Gosline was named as an alternate representing Environmental Interests. Stephen Lewis was named to fill the Recreation seat that was vacated by Hyatt Barnes.
Mr. Gorsline has lived in Jefferson County for 35 years. During this time he worked as a forestry contractor, as the Timber/Fish/Wildlife environmental representative for the DNR Olympic Region, and as a policy analyst for the Washington Environmental Council. As a shoreline property owner he has a real property interest in a beautiful reach of Discovery Bay shoreline. As a long-time member of the Olympic Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, he has studied regional plant communities, including marine riparian vegetation, for many years. He also served on the shoreline policy group that drafted the first Shoreline Master Program draft update in 2000, and most recently served on the policy advisory group that helped to develop the current public review draft SMP update. He has also authored three local history books. He is currently serving as the District 2 representative on the Conservation Futures Citizens Oversight Committee. In seeking appointment, Mr. Gorsline said: "I believe my strong roots in this region, knowledge of local habitats, and long-standing interest in conserving and protecting land and water resources in this county, qualify me for a position on the MRC."
Mr. Lewis has been an active participant on the MRC for the last year-and-a-half, as Mr. Barnes designated alternate to the Recreation seat. He has been a boater nearly his entire life, owning rowboats, kayaks, sailboats from 9 feet to 46 feet, power boats from 14 to 40 feet in length. As a volunteer he has taught boating skills and sailing skills, navigation and piloting to the general public for 28 of the last 34 years. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Port Townsend Yacht Club, and of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Lewis has a bachelor's degree in biology fiom Harvard College, (1963) with additional studies at the University of Washington in oceanography and related classwork. He worked for six years, 1965 - 1971 for the Oceanography Department of U. Of W. In seeking appointment, Mr. Lewis said: "I can well represent the Recreational boating interests, with some understanding of the biology and physical complexity of our impact on the marine environment."
Mr. Gorsline has lived in Jefferson County for 35 years. During this time he worked as a forestry contractor, as the Timber/Fish/Wildlife environmental representative for the DNR Olympic Region, and as a policy analyst for the Washington Environmental Council. As a shoreline property owner he has a real property interest in a beautiful reach of Discovery Bay shoreline. As a long-time member of the Olympic Chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society, he has studied regional plant communities, including marine riparian vegetation, for many years. He also served on the shoreline policy group that drafted the first Shoreline Master Program draft update in 2000, and most recently served on the policy advisory group that helped to develop the current public review draft SMP update. He has also authored three local history books. He is currently serving as the District 2 representative on the Conservation Futures Citizens Oversight Committee. In seeking appointment, Mr. Gorsline said: "I believe my strong roots in this region, knowledge of local habitats, and long-standing interest in conserving and protecting land and water resources in this county, qualify me for a position on the MRC."
Mr. Lewis has been an active participant on the MRC for the last year-and-a-half, as Mr. Barnes designated alternate to the Recreation seat. He has been a boater nearly his entire life, owning rowboats, kayaks, sailboats from 9 feet to 46 feet, power boats from 14 to 40 feet in length. As a volunteer he has taught boating skills and sailing skills, navigation and piloting to the general public for 28 of the last 34 years. Mr. Lewis is a member of the Port Townsend Yacht Club, and of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Lewis has a bachelor's degree in biology fiom Harvard College, (1963) with additional studies at the University of Washington in oceanography and related classwork. He worked for six years, 1965 - 1971 for the Oceanography Department of U. Of W. In seeking appointment, Mr. Lewis said: "I can well represent the Recreational boating interests, with some understanding of the biology and physical complexity of our impact on the marine environment."
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