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Sound Stewards
May 2023
go with the flow - free the Deschutes!
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Hello!
The days are becoming warmer and longer, which means it's the perfect time to get out and enjoy the beauty of the Deschutes Watershed. Here are a few of our favorite activities for this time of year:
In this newsletter, we'll highlight some exciting events happening in the watershed, including updates on the future of the Deschutes Estuary. Read on for an important message from DERT's Board President, Dave Monthie, on legislative funding for estuary restoration and the creation of the Deschutes Watershed Council.
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You are part of the vision and hard work that guarantees the Deschutes River WILL meet Puget Sound without a barrier. Together, we will continue to advocate for the restoration of our urban estuary. Please consider donating to DERT today. | |
A MESSAGE FROM THE DERT BOARD PRESIDENT | |
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Estuary supporters:
The 2023 Legislature just took a major step towards removal of the Fifth Avenue Dam, and restoration of the Deschutes Estuary, with a $7 million appropriation to the Department of Enterprise Services (DES) for planning and permitting over the next two years. The Legislature provided the funding expressly for DES to pursue the Preferred Alternative--removal of the dam, and restoration of the Deschutes Estuary--identified in the October 2022 final Environmental Impact Report (EIS) prepared by DES.
The Legislature specifically directed that, over the next two years, DES will (1) make progress on permitting and planning; (2) advance the existing Memorandum of Understanding with local governments to a full Interlocal Agreement (ILA) to "govern the long-term management of the restored estuary," and (3) pursue other funding sources for planning and permitting.
DES had requested $17 million for the next four years of the planning and permitting process, which Governor Inslee included in his budget. However, the Legislature is following the same process as it did when it gave DES money for the EIS--providing the funding in successive state budgets, with direction to DES to explore other funding options as well.
DES plans to hire a project manager for the next phase of work, and will provide a schedule once that is done. DERT will be fully involved in that process, and will keep its members and the public fully informed.
On a different issue, the Legislature did not provide start-up funding for a new Deschutes Watershed Council (DWC). Creation of the DWC had been recommended by the Deschutes Watershed Restoration and Enhancement Committee (WREC) in its report to Ecology in April 2021. DERT has been working with local governments and agencies to create the DWC, and is exploring with them some options using other funding sources. The DWC will provide long-term coordination of the many efforts underway to preserve and improve water quantity, water quality, and the environment for the full length of the Deschutes River watershed.
DERT is dedicated to protecting and restoring the Deschutes Watershed, and we will continue to update you on the fight for a free-flowing Deschutes.
--Dave Monthie
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SAVE THE DATE
DERT will be holding our annual dinner & auction on October 21st, 2023!
More details to follow.
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Board President Dave Monthie, Secretary Ray Willard, and Interim Treasurer Sue Patnude represent DERT at the Rachel Carson Forum on Earth Day 2023. After participating in the beach clean up, Ray gave a fantastic presentation on restoring the Deschutes River Estuary. | | | |
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Blue Heron Bakery Community Cooperative Soup-n-Pie Fun-Raiser
May 6th
6 - 9 PM
South Sound Fresh, Olympia
(next door to Blue Heron Bakery)
Join Blue Heron for a night of dinner, live music, and dessert auction to raise funds for their co-op conversion!
Learn more and purchase tickets
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Wildlife Habitat Training
June 5th, 7th, 12th, 14th
6 - 9 PM
Zoom
Hosted by the National Wildlife Federation
Do you want to do your part to keep Washington wild? Now is your chance to become a Habitat Steward™!
A variety of topics will be presented on habitat restoration, PNW ecology and wildlife, natural yard care, invasive plants, native plants, & much more!
Note: scholarships are available! No one will be turned down due to lack of funds.
Learn more and register
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World Oceans' Day
June 10th
11 AM - 3 PM
Heritage Park, Olympia
Each June, World Oceans Day is celebrated to amplify the vital importance of our oceans and the actions we can all take to help protect them. Our oceans nourish and support life. They connect us across the planet bringing us beauty, food, air, transportation, medicines, recreation and jobs.
Guest Speakers include Kris Peters, Chairman of the Squaxin Island Tribe, State Representative Beth Doglio, and County Commissioner Tye Menser.
Plus:
- Live music from Artesian Rumble
- Kids’ activities
- Exhibitor booths
- Food trucks
- Raffle prizes
Learn more
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A NEW INSTALLATION IN THE ESTUARY | |
The new land acknowledgement at Percival Landing in Downtown Olympia | | |
You are part of the vision and hard work that guarantees the Deschutes River WILL meet Puget Sound without a barrier. Together, we will continue to advocate for the restoration of our urban estuary. Please consider donating to DERT today. | | |
LUMINARY PROCESSION: AN OLYMPIAN TRADITION | |
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Spring is here and with its arrival: blooming tulips, mating herons, and the Spring Arts Walk in Downtown Olympia. For two days, Olympia bustles with street festivals, live music, and businesses showcasing the work of local artists.
A crowd favorite is the Luminary Procession, a celebration of light and community. People of all ages, adorned with colorful lights, dance through the streets and parade through downtown holding beautiful, handmade lanterns.
In case you missed the Spring Arts Walk, mark your calendars for the Fall Arts Walk on October 6-7, 2023.
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LOTT approves 2050 master plan that provides a roadmap to meet future wastewater capacity needs
"The LOTT Clean Water Alliance Board of Directors on Wednesday approved the LOTT 2050 Master Plan, which outlines strategies to treat wastewater and meet future capacity needs in an adaptable and cost-effective manner."
By Lorilyn Lirio
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Legislature passes environmental bills in time for Earth Day
"Legislators celebrated Earth Day with the passage of environmental bills in the final hours of the legislative session. The package creates new laws that regulate the use of foam blocks for docks, govern production of hydrogen to power buses, provide for the study of carbon monoxide and places new restrictions on battery sales. "
By Alexandria Osborne
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Olympia proclaims April 2023 as Earth Month
"The Olympia City Council, on Tuesday, April 18, signed a proclamation designating the month of April as Earth Month. Olympia has joined Governor Jay Inslee in proclaiming the entire month to be Earth Month in Washington State to enlist all people to protect and sustain life on the planet."
By Lorilyn Lirio
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Do you have watershed news to share?
Send it to us at olydert@gmail.com
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Facebook Recurring Donations
Are you an estuary enthusiast?
Consider becoming a recurring DERT donor on Facebook! Facebook routes donations through Network for Good so we receive 100% of your donation - no fees!
With monthly donations from caring supporters like you, we can do more good, every day, for the health of our Deschutes estuary and watershed.
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POLLUTION REPORTING RESOURCES | |
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As a community dedicated to protecting the Deschutes watershed and South Puget Sound, we must all keep an eye out for potential pollution incidents when we are out and about.
To report suspected pollution in your community, email olydert@gmail.com.
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DERT's South Sound Healthy Watershed Program operates thanks to our sponsoring foundations and donors like you. Did you know that donors are now able to set up automatic recurring monthly donations in any amount? Follow the link to the right to get set up. Thank you for working with us towards a free Deschutes! | |
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Do our emails get lost in your promotion tab? Here is a quick trick to make sure our newsletter goes directly into your primary inbox*. Simply click on the email in your promotions tab, and drag it up and over to your primary tab. Voila! From now on, every DERT email will go directly to your primary tab! | |
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For more information CLICK HERE
*This tip is for those who use Gmail, but it may be applicable to other platforms.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS | | | | |
