Now Hiring!
The Northwest Straits Commission is hiring a Program Coordinator. This is a part time position (80%) at our offices at Padilla Bay Reserve.
Click here for more information. The closing date for applications is March 16.
What's New
Free Shoreline Landowner Workshops
The Northwest Straits Foundation and the Jefferson and Island county MRCs are hosting free workshops for shoreline property owners to learn about coastal processes and shoreline erosion management. Participants are also eligible to apply for a free site visit from a qualified professional to learn management recommendations specific to your property. A limited number of site visits are available.
Click here for more information about the workshop in Jefferson County on Saturday, April 5.
Click here for more information about the workshop on Whidbey Island on Saturday, May 3.
New Voluntary No Anchor Zone in Jefferson County
With the recent installation of four marker buoys in South Port Townsend Bay, the Jefferson County MRC established a third Voluntary Marine Protected Area that will protect eelgrass, shellfish beds, and marine water quality. This was a key element in the South Port Townsend Bay Management Plan that satisfies WA Department of Health requirements in an area locally known as Lower Port Hadlock and allows shellfish harvest and recreational boat use to co-exist. Read more...
Salish Sea Stewards program launch
The Skagit MRC is offering a free training to citizens interested in learning about marine ecology, the nearshore environment, issues that impact the Salish Sea, and what we can do to protect it. Participants who complete the training will be offered the opportunity to engage in local restoration, conservation, monitoring, and education and outreach activities. Check out the program summary for more details. Training begins March 10th, 2014. Click here to download an application, due February 28th, 2014!
Forage Fish Survey Workshops
The Northwest Straits Commission is offering free training in intertidal spawn surveys for MRC members and other citizen science volunteers. Space is limited to 12 participants, with preference given to individuals needing hands-on instruction for projects this year. Workshops will be held in partnership with the WA Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Department of Natural Resources/Aquatic Reserve Program. To register contact Caroline Gibson at gibson@nwstraits.org; (360)391-7190. Click here for more information.
Northwest Straits Commission Meeting
The next Northwest Straits Commission meeting will be held on Friday, April 25 via conference call. For information about past meetings click here.
Newsletter
Click here to see the current edition of the Northwest Straits Initiative's monthly newsletter. If you would like to recieve our monthly newsletter click here.
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.