Recent News
Northwest Straits Newsletter
Click here to see our latest edition of Northwest Straits Initiative monthly newsletter.
New Facebook Page Launched
For frequent updates on what we're doing, the work of the Marine Resources Committees, and other timely information about Puget Sound and marine issues, "like" our new Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NWStraits.
NW Straits Commission Receives National Shellfish Initiative Funding
At an event hosted by Taylor Shellfish, Dr. Jane Lubchenco announced $200,000 in funding for the Northwest Straits Commission to pursue Olympia oyster restoration. The Commission will work in partnership with National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Puget Sound Restoration Fund, the Swinomish, Samish and Jamestown S’Klallam Tribes and several Marine Resources Committees. Read more. Click here to learn more about the Washington Shellfish Initiative.
Maynard Beach Restoration Project
This month, Jefferson MRC, the North Olympic Salmon Coalition and other project partners are completing the design phase of the Maynard Beach Restoration Project, at the head of Discovery Bay. During the past six months, project partners worked closely with many stakeholders to come up with a design plan that will have great ecological benefits, including improved habitat for migrating juvenile salmon, shellfish and shorebirds. Partners also worked through many challenges to accommodate a trail allowance for public access as part of the Olympic Discovery Trail. Next steps include engineering and construction permitting. Congratulations to Jefferson MRC and NOSC for bringing this project to its nearly shovel-ready state!
Snohomish and Island MRCs Unanimously Endorse Port Susan MSA
Meeting together in Coupeville on December 6, the Island and Snohomish MRCs voted unanimously to recommend leaders of the two counties adopt the draft plan to establish an educational Port Susan Marine Stewardship Area. Read more...
Whatcom MRC Completes Creosote Log Removal
In a joint effort by the Whatcom MRC, Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Cliffside Community, and the City of Bellingham, the last remaining beach in Whatcom County was cleared of creosote and treated logs in December, 2011. Twelve members of the City’s WCC crew hand-hauled 3.35 tons of rogue logs off the beach. This marks the end of ten years of creosote log cleanup in Whatcom County. The majority of source logs from derelict structures have also been removed in the county, so minimal re-accumulation is expected.
Action Agenda Update Available for Comment
The Puget Sound Partnership is seeking public comment on the draft Action Agenda Update through February 3. This is the agency's plan for recovering Puget Sound by 2020. The Northwest Straits Initiative, through our seven MRCs, has played an important role in developing and guiding the Action Agenda, which is available online. Comments can be submitted by email to actionagenda@psp.wa.gov, or in hard copy to Puget Sound Partnership, 326 E D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421.
Island County Projects Funded
Congratulations to the Island County MRC and their partners for their successful efforts to secure funding for two important Watershed Protection and Restoration projects on Whidbey Island. The MRC is a partner organization on a Penn Cove project, and another on Ebey's Prairie. Click here to read more...
Jefferson MRC Co-Sponsor of Environmental Film Series
The Jefferson MRC will co-sponsor a two-part Environmental Film Series on January 21 and 28, 2012, showcasing marine wildlife and habitat restoration efforts in Puget Sound. Six Leaping Frog Films will screen in spectacular High Definition at the Northwest Maritime Center. Events begin at 6:30 PM. More information: Part I - All Things Salmon and Part II - All Things Shellfish.
The Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, authorized by Congress, is nationally recognized as an innovative approach to bring sound science and an ecosystem perspective together with citizen energy and entrepreneurship.