State budget invests in local volunteer projects to improve health of Salish Sea

— from Dave Pringle for Senate Democratic Caucus —

The 2019-21 Washington state operating budget invests $910,000 to NW Straits Commission for continued project support for Marine Resources Committees around Puget Sound.

The 2019-21 Washington state operating budget invests $910,000 to NW Straits Commission for continued project support for Marine Resources Committees around Puget Sound.

“I’m so proud of the work the Northwest Straits Commission has done over its twenty year history in Washington state,” said Sen. Liz Lovelett (D-Anacortes). “This vital work ensures restoration and improved health of marine life throughout the Salish Sea. With this investment, we’re committed to restoration and protection of our unique ecosystem for healthier communities and habitat for the benefit of all.”

These funds are directed to support local projects, identified and carried out by community volunteers in the seven-county Northwest Straits region through Marine Resources Committees (MRC).

“The Northwest Straits Commission gives me and my fellow MRC members an opportunity to work as part of a wider community to benefit the environmental health of Puget Sound,” said Alan Clark, NW Straits Commission chair and Clallam MRC representative. “As a long-time volunteer, there’s nothing quite as rewarding as working with my neighbors and friends to protect our shared natural shorelines, restore habitat, and educate our communities about the Salish Sea.”

In the coming years, San Juan MRC will expand their Plastic Free Salish Sea education campaign and continue boater outreach to support Southern Resident Orca recovery.

In Skagit and Whatcom counties, the MRC will train local volunteers to support community science efforts for the health of the Salish Sea. Skagit and Whatcom MRC’s will continue to restore native Olympia oyster beds in Fidalgo and Chuckanut Bays, monitor beaches for forage fish and bull kelp to contribute to state databases, and support future recovery in these critical areas.

These and many other restoration, education and monitoring projects are planned with the investment of state funds in the coming biennium.

The state budget passed the Legislature on April 28, 2019 and sent to the governor for signature.