Topic: Environment
From the Mailbag
Written on May 17, 2019 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Dear Editor, Friends of the San Juans has been committed to protecting our environment since 1979. Throughout those forty years, Friends’ dedication to that mission has never wavered. This is why I support the Friends and serve on the board. A major issue still facing the San Juans is the seven-fold increase in tanker traffic Continue Reading
BLM Seeks Nominations to Monument Advisory Committee
Written on May 13, 2019 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Lopez Island, Wash. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it is seeking public nominations for four open positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The nomination period is open until June 13, 2019. The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), of which the MAC is one, help the Bureau carry Continue Reading
Youth Heritage Project
Written on May 9, 2019 at 5:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s an educational and recreational opportunity for high school aged youth and teachers… It’s the Youth Heritage Project (YHP) – an annual multi-day heritage field school that engages participants by connecting them to historic, cultural, and natural resources in Washington. YHP engages students hands-on as they expand their knowledge about historic preservation and develop an Continue Reading
Island Steward
Written on May 7, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
After the San Juan Preservation Trust’s 40th annual meeting on Saturday members and friends went down to the Friday Harbor marina and formally christened their new boat “Island Steward” which will enable the Trust stewardship staff to visit their different protected properties among the San Juan Islands. The christening included the breaking of a bottle Continue Reading
Turn Point Site Temporarily Closed for CERCLA Action
Written on May 6, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be conducting a time-critical removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) at the Turn Point Light Station on Stuart Island. A contractor will be removing lead-contaminated soil at the site for the protection of human health. The contamination is the result of decades Continue Reading
Burning Season Closures In May
Written on May 6, 2019 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
It’s that time of year again. Burning Season is coming to a close in San Juan County. All Commercial Permits will be closing on May 15th at sundown. Residential permits will close on May 31st at midnight. Recreational fires remain open for the time being. Please burn with caution and check back with the Fire Continue Reading
Living in the Future’s Past
Written on May 3, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
“Can looking at evolution help us predict the future of humanity?” – Jeff Bridges Friday Harbor Film Festival invites you to a free screening of the award winning documentary, Living in the Future’s Past on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Brickworks. Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound Continue Reading
Oil Spill Consequences Assessment
Written on May 2, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Threat of a Large Oil Spill — At What Cost to San Juan County What would a large oil spill cost all of us? How long would it affect our communities, property values, businesses, and way of life? Our County’s Environmental Resources Division and the Marine Resources Committee together with specialty consultants have completed Continue Reading
Action Plan for a Sustainable Ferry System Released
Written on May 2, 2019 at 5:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
Washington State Ferries is excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, they launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan (PDF) that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce waste, and other ways to make the ferry system Continue Reading
Beyond the War on Invasive Species with author Tao Orion
Written on April 29, 2019 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Grange invites you to this upcoming meal and lecture… Join us May 9 for a thoughtful discussion of how we can approach gardening, farming, forestry, and land management with a more nuanced understanding of invasive species. How can we mimic nature in managing the overabundance of a particular species? Part of the San Juan Continue Reading
IOSA Oil Spill Meetings Attract Crowds
Written on April 24, 2019 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Over 100 islanders learned more about becoming oil spill response volunteers at a series of recent community meetings hosted by IOSA (Islands’ Oil Spill Association). These gatherings occurred on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island, and they provided a brief update on IOSA’s role in local oil spill response protection and prevention. Ongoing efforts to Continue Reading
Naturalist Training Program
Written on April 20, 2019 at 9:03 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join the San Juan Island Naturalist Program! We’re looking for volunteers who are confident in sharing their knowledge about whales, the Salish Sea, and being Westside stewards. Help people watch, enjoy, and learn about whales from stations at the Westside Preserve, just south of Lime Kiln Point State Park. San Juan Island Naturalist Program Training Continue Reading
Climate Change Prevention: Eco-Friendly Changes You Can Make to Fight Global Warming
Written on April 16, 2019 at 8:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following article was written by Neil Stawski… As much as the skeptics and critics might try to deny climate change, the signs that it’s a critical issue are all around us. The evidence of global warming can be found in the death of our coral reefs due to the increased temperatures of our ocean Continue Reading
Ocean Outbreak
Written on April 12, 2019 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Book Talk: Drew Harvell will discuss her book, Ocean Outbreak: Confronting the Rising Tide of Marine Disease. This presentation will include updates on Sea Star Wasting Disease and salmon health in our Puget Sound waters. Drew is a local author and resident scientist at Friday Harbor Laboratories. A book signing and reception will follow the Continue Reading
Talking Trash!
Written on April 11, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
April 25 Workshop in Friday Harbor “Talking Trash” is an exciting workshop hosted by the Marine Resources Committee during Earth Week. The event will be held on April 25, 2019 at Brickworks in Friday Harbor from 5 – 7 PM. The workshop is part of the Plastic Free Salish Sea campaign which aims to share Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean-up
Written on April 8, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
2019 Great Islands Clean-up on San Juan Island April 20! Help make San Juan Island “Plastic Free by the Sea”! This year’s Great Islands Clean-up is on Saturday, April 20, 2019. Join the county-wide greening event and collect litter from public beaches and roadways. Pick-up your trash collection equipment at the central meet location next Continue Reading
IOSA Wants You!
Written on March 30, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
April Community Meetings on Oil Spill Response in San Juan County The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is hosting community meetings in April for those wanting to learn more about IOSA and explore opportunities for getting involved in local oil spill response efforts. Any and all are invited! Tuesday April 16th from 5:30 – 6:30pm Continue Reading
First Work Party of the Year!
Written on March 26, 2019 at 8:17 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! We’ve had a little respite, reformatted our team, and are ready to get back to those oak units! Joining us THIS SUNDAY are Kayla Seaforth and Carlton Burns, two of our phenomenal field assistants. When? March 31, 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP required (e-mail here) Where? Meet at the base of Cady Mountain Preserve Continue Reading
Tidying Up: Eco-Friendly Tips for Decluttering Your Home
Written on March 16, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following article is a guest post written by Neil Stawski… From living a minimalist lifestyle in a tiny house to tidying up a family home, decluttering seems to be on everyone’s mind lately. Decluttering isn’t a new concept. After all, studies have shown that most Americans still prefer to do some spring cleaning each Continue Reading
Catkin Garden Design & Consulting
Written on March 14, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Meet Jenny Harris of Catkin Design. Jenny has recently started a new garden design and consulting business here in Friday Harbor. “Catkin is a new iteration of my horticultural life” she says. Originally called appropriate horticulture, what Jenny does is now called Ecological Design – a self sustaining kind of garden design that is supportive of Continue Reading
Leviathan Delusion in Paradise Lost
Written on March 7, 2019 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning, we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… Glancing at caller ID on a recent snowy morning, I guessed that my old Alaska pal, Archie was riled up about something. Most likely a retaliatory shot in response to the brow-beating I served up previously. I had been pretty steamed Continue Reading
NPS Issues Decision on the American Camp Visitor Center Replacement Project
Written on March 7, 2019 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
FRIDAY HARBOR, WA – San Juan Island National Historical Park today announced the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the 2018 Replace American Camp Temporary Visitor Center Environmental Assessment (EA). The FONSI, which was signed by National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director Stan Austin, identifies the selected alternative and is Continue Reading
From the Mailbag
Written on May 17, 2019 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
Dear Editor, Friends of the San Juans has been committed to protecting our environment since 1979. Throughout those forty years, Friends’ dedication to that mission has never wavered. This is why I support the Friends and serve on the board. A major issue still facing the San Juans is the seven-fold increase in tanker traffic Continue Reading
BLM Seeks Nominations to Monument Advisory Committee
Written on May 13, 2019 at 5:41 am, by Tim Dustrude
Lopez Island, Wash. — The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced it is seeking public nominations for four open positions on the San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee (MAC). The nomination period is open until June 13, 2019. The BLM’s Resource Advisory Councils (RACs), of which the MAC is one, help the Bureau carry Continue Reading
Youth Heritage Project
Written on May 9, 2019 at 5:35 am, by Tim Dustrude
Here’s an educational and recreational opportunity for high school aged youth and teachers… It’s the Youth Heritage Project (YHP) – an annual multi-day heritage field school that engages participants by connecting them to historic, cultural, and natural resources in Washington. YHP engages students hands-on as they expand their knowledge about historic preservation and develop an Continue Reading
Island Steward
Written on May 7, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
After the San Juan Preservation Trust’s 40th annual meeting on Saturday members and friends went down to the Friday Harbor marina and formally christened their new boat “Island Steward” which will enable the Trust stewardship staff to visit their different protected properties among the San Juan Islands. The christening included the breaking of a bottle Continue Reading
Turn Point Site Temporarily Closed for CERCLA Action
Written on May 6, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) will be conducting a time-critical removal action under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) at the Turn Point Light Station on Stuart Island. A contractor will be removing lead-contaminated soil at the site for the protection of human health. The contamination is the result of decades Continue Reading
Burning Season Closures In May
Written on May 6, 2019 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
It’s that time of year again. Burning Season is coming to a close in San Juan County. All Commercial Permits will be closing on May 15th at sundown. Residential permits will close on May 31st at midnight. Recreational fires remain open for the time being. Please burn with caution and check back with the Fire Continue Reading
Living in the Future’s Past
Written on May 3, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
“Can looking at evolution help us predict the future of humanity?” – Jeff Bridges Friday Harbor Film Festival invites you to a free screening of the award winning documentary, Living in the Future’s Past on Friday, May 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Brickworks. Academy Award winner, Jeff Bridges shares the screen with scientists, profound Continue Reading
Oil Spill Consequences Assessment
Written on May 2, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Threat of a Large Oil Spill — At What Cost to San Juan County What would a large oil spill cost all of us? How long would it affect our communities, property values, businesses, and way of life? Our County’s Environmental Resources Division and the Marine Resources Committee together with specialty consultants have completed Continue Reading
Action Plan for a Sustainable Ferry System Released
Written on May 2, 2019 at 5:34 am, by Tim Dustrude
Washington State Ferries is excited to announce that in honor of Earth Day, they launched a two-year Sustainability Action Plan (PDF) that outlines goals and actions for greener ferries and terminals. It includes initiatives to protect orca whales, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, reduce waste, and other ways to make the ferry system Continue Reading
Beyond the War on Invasive Species with author Tao Orion
Written on April 29, 2019 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
The Grange invites you to this upcoming meal and lecture… Join us May 9 for a thoughtful discussion of how we can approach gardening, farming, forestry, and land management with a more nuanced understanding of invasive species. How can we mimic nature in managing the overabundance of a particular species? Part of the San Juan Continue Reading
IOSA Oil Spill Meetings Attract Crowds
Written on April 24, 2019 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
Over 100 islanders learned more about becoming oil spill response volunteers at a series of recent community meetings hosted by IOSA (Islands’ Oil Spill Association). These gatherings occurred on Orcas, Lopez, and San Juan Island, and they provided a brief update on IOSA’s role in local oil spill response protection and prevention. Ongoing efforts to Continue Reading
Naturalist Training Program
Written on April 20, 2019 at 9:03 am, by Tim Dustrude
Join the San Juan Island Naturalist Program! We’re looking for volunteers who are confident in sharing their knowledge about whales, the Salish Sea, and being Westside stewards. Help people watch, enjoy, and learn about whales from stations at the Westside Preserve, just south of Lime Kiln Point State Park. San Juan Island Naturalist Program Training Continue Reading
Climate Change Prevention: Eco-Friendly Changes You Can Make to Fight Global Warming
Written on April 16, 2019 at 8:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following article was written by Neil Stawski… As much as the skeptics and critics might try to deny climate change, the signs that it’s a critical issue are all around us. The evidence of global warming can be found in the death of our coral reefs due to the increased temperatures of our ocean Continue Reading
Ocean Outbreak
Written on April 12, 2019 at 5:44 am, by Tim Dustrude
Book Talk: Drew Harvell will discuss her book, Ocean Outbreak: Confronting the Rising Tide of Marine Disease. This presentation will include updates on Sea Star Wasting Disease and salmon health in our Puget Sound waters. Drew is a local author and resident scientist at Friday Harbor Laboratories. A book signing and reception will follow the Continue Reading
Talking Trash!
Written on April 11, 2019 at 5:49 am, by Tim Dustrude
April 25 Workshop in Friday Harbor “Talking Trash” is an exciting workshop hosted by the Marine Resources Committee during Earth Week. The event will be held on April 25, 2019 at Brickworks in Friday Harbor from 5 – 7 PM. The workshop is part of the Plastic Free Salish Sea campaign which aims to share Continue Reading
Great Islands Clean-up
Written on April 8, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
2019 Great Islands Clean-up on San Juan Island April 20! Help make San Juan Island “Plastic Free by the Sea”! This year’s Great Islands Clean-up is on Saturday, April 20, 2019. Join the county-wide greening event and collect litter from public beaches and roadways. Pick-up your trash collection equipment at the central meet location next Continue Reading
IOSA Wants You!
Written on March 30, 2019 at 5:46 am, by Tim Dustrude
April Community Meetings on Oil Spill Response in San Juan County The Islands’ Oil Spill Association (IOSA) is hosting community meetings in April for those wanting to learn more about IOSA and explore opportunities for getting involved in local oil spill response efforts. Any and all are invited! Tuesday April 16th from 5:30 – 6:30pm Continue Reading
First Work Party of the Year!
Written on March 26, 2019 at 8:17 am, by Tim Dustrude
Hello Oakies! We’ve had a little respite, reformatted our team, and are ready to get back to those oak units! Joining us THIS SUNDAY are Kayla Seaforth and Carlton Burns, two of our phenomenal field assistants. When? March 31, 10:00am to 2:00pm RSVP required (e-mail here) Where? Meet at the base of Cady Mountain Preserve Continue Reading
Tidying Up: Eco-Friendly Tips for Decluttering Your Home
Written on March 16, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
The following article is a guest post written by Neil Stawski… From living a minimalist lifestyle in a tiny house to tidying up a family home, decluttering seems to be on everyone’s mind lately. Decluttering isn’t a new concept. After all, studies have shown that most Americans still prefer to do some spring cleaning each Continue Reading
Catkin Garden Design & Consulting
Written on March 14, 2019 at 5:48 am, by Tim Dustrude
Meet Jenny Harris of Catkin Design. Jenny has recently started a new garden design and consulting business here in Friday Harbor. “Catkin is a new iteration of my horticultural life” she says. Originally called appropriate horticulture, what Jenny does is now called Ecological Design – a self sustaining kind of garden design that is supportive of Continue Reading
Leviathan Delusion in Paradise Lost
Written on March 7, 2019 at 5:45 am, by Tim Dustrude
In the SJ Update Mailbag this morning, we have this letter from Steve Ulvi… Glancing at caller ID on a recent snowy morning, I guessed that my old Alaska pal, Archie was riled up about something. Most likely a retaliatory shot in response to the brow-beating I served up previously. I had been pretty steamed Continue Reading
NPS Issues Decision on the American Camp Visitor Center Replacement Project
Written on March 7, 2019 at 5:43 am, by Tim Dustrude
FRIDAY HARBOR, WA – San Juan Island National Historical Park today announced the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the 2018 Replace American Camp Temporary Visitor Center Environmental Assessment (EA). The FONSI, which was signed by National Park Service Pacific West Regional Director Stan Austin, identifies the selected alternative and is Continue Reading