Sound Stewards DERT's Newsletter - September 2021 Go with the flow - Free the Deschutes!

DERT volunteers collect plankton samples and assess turbidity in Zangle Cove

Are you passionate about restoring and protecting our watershed? DERT is hiring a new EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR! The Executive Director of the Deschutes Estuary Restoration Team reports to the Board President and the full Board of Directors (Board), serves as senior management for DERT, supervises staff and interns, and is responsible for mission achievement and meeting financial objectives. This position works 60% FTE, and the hours are flexible.     The Executive Director maintains overall responsibility for budget, staffing, management, fundraising, program development and implementation of daily operations pursuant to the direction of the Board. The Executive Director supervises staff and works closely with them in developing, implementing, and administering all programs and funds to achieve the organization’s mission and objectives, to maintain compliance with all applicable funding and corporate requirements, and to pursue partnerships and collaborations to ensure the long-term viability of DERT and its programs. Click on the image in the upper right for the full Position Description.

SEEKING ONLINE AUCTION ITEMS We are hosting a virtual auction the first week in November to raise funds to support our programs and initiatives. We will send a follow up email with more details soon. Do you have items to donate? Be creative! There are many things that make excellent auction items - gift certificates, arts & crafts, classes & trainings, food, an opportunity to enjoy a unique local experience. Donated items will be auctioned off virtually - with all proceeds directly supporting our valuable work! If you have items to donate or have any questions regarding our auction, please contact Katrina & Karen at: dertauction@gmail.com

Plankton Monitoring Kayak Patrol with Aimee Christy We had an excellent time on our most recent kayak patrol that was conducted in collaboration with Aimee Christy of Pacific Shellfish Institute. A group of ten volunteers launched from Boston Harbor and collected water quality data and water samples for plankton analysis from three different locations. An abundance of knowledge and laughter was shared amongst the participants throughout the event. Aimee sure knows her plankton - it was fascinating to look at the different samples under the microscopes and have Aimee explain what we were seeing. Click on the above image to access a document that describes the plankton species and water quality data we recorded. Interested in sharing your knowledge of a particular environmental topic while paddling the South Sound with DERT volunteers? Please contact Matthew - mkaras@deschutesestuary.org

Thank you for commenting on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement! Department of Enterprise Services received over 800 public comments and is busy reviewing them. As many of you know, there were many faults with the Draft EIS that need to be rectified before the Final EIS is released. We are hopeful that the Final EIS is more thorough and objective in its analysis - and, of course, we hope that full estuary restoration is the preferred alternative. To find out more, visit the project website HERE. Olympia City Council - Resolution in Support of Estuary Alternative Olympia City Council - Detailed Comments on DEIS Jolt News - LOTT Supports Estuary Restoration article

It has been a really big year for DERT! We became an affiliate of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance, launched the South Sound Healthy Watershed Program, hired a Program Coordinator, led an effort to form the Deschutes Watershed Council, and spent many long hours participating in the EIS process and spreading the word to our community members - And we are just getting started! In order to build upon these accomplishments and sustain them into the future, we truly need your help. Any donation that you can offer will be deeply appreciated. Thank you! DONATE to DERT

Another way you can support DERT is by wearing our swag around town! DERT has merchandise for sale, including our snazzy new "Yestuary" hats, dam smasher bumper sticker, and some remaining t-shirts in limited sizes. Please contact Matthew (mkaras@deschutesestuary.org) to inquire about purchasing and receiving items. Prices are below: Bumper stickers (Dam Smasher or "Yestuary") - Donations welcome Yestuary Hat ...$30 T-Shirts (DERT logo)... $20 T-Shirts (Dam Smasher, Red, Black, or Grey...$20 Sweatshirt ...$20

You can support DERT by joining our Board of Directors or the Volunteer Core Committee! We are looking for new energy as we increase our presence in the community and expand our programming. More information on joining the Board can be found here: Join the DERT Board As a member of the Volunteer Core, you are expected to participate in at least one program activity (kayak patrols, water quality monitoring, public outreach, or others), attend monthly meetings, and inform program development. If interested, please contact Matthew Karas at mkaras@deschutesestuary.org