Boots in the bay with Rep. Rick Larsen
This August, the Samish Indian Nation hosted U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (D-WA-02), sponsor of the Northwest Straits Initiative reauthorization bill in the U.S. House of Representatives, to highlight project partnerships with Skagit MRC and other partners.
A lively group gathered to showcase their latest conservation efforts, including representatives from Skagit MRC, Samish Indian Nation, Padilla Bay Reserve, Port of Anacortes, City of Anacortes, and the Northwest Straits Commission. A fantastic group of local children also joined to show the connection of our work to elementary and middle school education.
The event featured a variety of projects including a live beach seine demonstration that engaged around 20 elementary and middle school-aged students, planning efforts to protect vital eelgrass habitats at Seafarers’ park, and updates on the Tommy Thompson Trestle project. These project demonstrations and presentations were a great opportunity to highlight the type of work the NW Straits reauthorization bill supports.
A huge thank you to Representative Larsen for the visit and for your leadership and support of the Northwest Straits Initiative!
Read more about the visit U.S. Rep. Larsen visits Fidalgo Bay Environmental Projects. Skagit Valley Herald | September 3, 2024
Learn more Senator Murray, Rep. Larsen Reintroduce Legislation to Reauthorize Northwest Straits Commission. Press release Rep. Larsen’s office | June 18, 2024
The Northwest Straits Commission is a regional coordinating body comprised of people who care about the marine areas where they live, and who work together to protect and restore marine resources.
The Northwest Straits Commission carries out regional conservation projects and supports the work of seven Marine Resources Committees through funding, technical support, training and regional coordination.
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More About Us and the Northwest Straits Region »September 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
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Plastic Free Salish Sea
San Juan MRC and community partners have wrapped up their Plastic Free Salish Sea reporting contest. The contest was held for the MRC’s Adopt-a-Beach and Adopt-a-Road stewards to record their cleanup efforts in July. Congratulations to Sadie and Bear Holt, this year’s contest winners.
Bear loves telling people that he’s a steward at his favorite beach! - Sadie
Planning is underway for the Fall Great Islands Cleanup – Save the Date: September 21.
Learn more San Juan MRC Plastic Free Salish Sea
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WCC summer crew combines science with community
As the green crab trapping season comes to a close, we wanted to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Washington Conservation Corps (WCC) crew that made much of this work possible. Throughout the summer, our WCC crew was knee deep in mud removing invasive European green crabs from North Puget Sound and participating in citizen science efforts like Molt Search.
Green crab trapping, while fun, is definitely not easy work! Our WCC crew did an incredible job of not only collecting vital species information but were also able to weave the importance of working with communities into their work.
“Many crucial monitoring locations require permission from landowners to access. It is evident that future management of this species requires extensive collaboration between community members and public agencies. Learn to conduct molt searches in your area!” Nate Hauer, WCC crew lead.
Congratulations on a successful field season, we couldn’t have done this without you!
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Clallam’s critter coaster collection is expanding!
Clallam MRC is expanding the lineup of informational coasters to educate the public about marine species and environmental awareness while promoting the MRC and its outreach efforts.
This year, five new species designs join the existing set featuring Dungeness crab, kelp, Olympia oysters, pigeon guillemots, sea otters, and orcas. The new designs include pinto abalone (pictured), decorator crab, sea level rise, dog waste, and toxic phytoplankton.
Member Spotlight: Alan Clark
Clallam MRCThe Northwest Straits Commission welcomed Alan Clark to the Initiative family in 2015, when he joined the Clallam MRC. Alan grew up near the beach in southern California where he enjoyed exploring the ocean and working in biological sciences. After moving to Washington, he met an MRC member who invited him to one of their meetings, where Alan realized how important the MRCs were in addressing local marine conservation issues.
Continue Reading »Upcoming Events
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Sep 27
September 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
September 27
10 AM-12 PM -
Nov 15
2024 NWSI Annual Conference
Friday-Saturday
November 15-November 16The 2024 Annual NW Straits Initiative Conference will be hosted at the Delta Hotel in Everett, Snohomish County from November 15-16. See the Conference Webpage for more details.
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Dec 06
December 2024 NW Straits Commission Meeting
Friday
December 06
10 AM-12 PM