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Looking to 2021: A Message from the Director
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The Northwest Straits Commission is unique for many reasons. We build conservation initiatives from the grassroots level, we strive to be inclusive of diverse community interests, and we thrive on collaboration to achieve our mission and support the collective work of our partners. Despite the challenges we faced in 2020, these unique traits are what have allowed us to persevere.
Marine Resources Committee volunteers shifted project approaches to maintain momentum on local priorities, logging over 10,000 volunteer hours. Northwest Straits Commission staff built new communication tools to foster connectivity in an unanticipated virtual world. And, numerous partners remained committed to helping us deliver the Puget Sound Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan.
In 2021, we will build upon the strong foundation this wonderful network of individuals has created. With the new year will come new opportunities as we emerge from a difficult time. We look forward to working and celebrating with you in 2021. With deep gratitude for your dedication, Happy New Year!
-Dr. Lucas Hart
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2020 Highlights from the MRCs
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The end of the year is a great time to reflect and appreciate all that MRCs accomplished, in spite of all the challenges of 2020. Island and Clallam MRCs have already taken the time to gather up their work and have shared their recent annual reports. If you are looking for some positive inspiration, take a few minutes to read them!
Island MRC continued their excellent work on monitoring and education efforts, and prepared the design for a new shoreline restoration project at Hoypus Point that will move forward in 2021 in partnership with the Northwest Straits Foundation. Click here to read their annual report.
Clallam MRC also maintained a suite of monitoring efforts and education projects, and contributed to the successful Puget Sound-wide effort to restore 100 acres of sustainable Olympia oyster habitat by by 2020 restoring two acres in Sequim Bay. Click here to read their annual report.
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Stewardship opportunities
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Salish Sea Stewards conducting forage fish monitoring. Photo: Pete Haase
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Skagit County- Registration is now open for the 2021 Salish Sea Stewards training program. Participants receive 40 hours of free citizen science training, Zoom lectures and small-group hands-on field exploration, with a pledge to return 40 hours of volunteer service in one year. Learn about the Salish Sea from local experts and find out about volunteer opportunities that will help you make a difference in your community. Trainings will be held on Tuesdays, from February 23 – May 25. Registration information and form are available at www.skagitmrc.org, and the deadline to register is February 16, 2021.
Whatcom County- Apply now to become a North Sound Steward. Build your skills and help protect vital marine species and habitats. North Sound Stewards aim to complete 50 hours of trainings and surveys throughout a one-year period, and there are community science opportunities for every skill set and experience level. Click here to learn more and apply. Applications are due by January 10, 2021.
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Art created from trash collected from local beaches. Photo: San Juan MRC
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Do you make New Year's resolutions? Consider setting a goal to reduce or eliminate your use of single-use plastics in 2021, and working with us toward a Plastic Free Salish Sea! San Juan MRC has curated lots of ways to cut down on the plastics you use. Like most resolutions, you'll be successful if you start by making small changes and practicing daily. Find more information on the Plastic Free Salish Sea campaign here.
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Speaking of reducing single-use plastics, a statewide ban on plastic bags passed in 2020 will go into effect at the end of this month, and will reduce plastic pollution in the Salish Sea. Responding to growing plastic bag pollution, the Legislature in 2020 passed SB 5323, a statewide ban on single-use plastic bags, which will prohibit single-use plastic carryout bags and requires an 8-cent charge for all recycled content paper carryout bags and reusable carryout bags made of film plastic. We expect that this ban will result in reduced marine plastic pollution and support broader ecosystem health for years to come. Find more information from the Department of Ecology.
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Update from the Northwest Straits Foundation
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At the Northwest Straits Foundation, our New Year’s resolution is to increase our stewardship efforts. This year, we’re aiming to do more than we’ve ever done to restore this place we call home. We’ve got tons of exciting projects in the works: derelict vessel and crab pot removal, barge removal and habitat restoration, nearshore monitoring for forage fish species, Shore Friendly landowner outreach, and more. Find us online at @NWStraitsfnd.
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