Beach Log N - Sound Water Stewards · Page 2 November 2012 Beach Log Page 2 Encouraged by the turnouts to the Summer Kickoff and Wrap-up meetings on Whidbey, your BWAC is looking

Page November 2012 Beach Log

NOVEMBER 2012

Beach Log Education, Research, Stewardship

WSU Beach Watchers P. O. Box 5000 Coupeville WA 98239 360-679-7391 ; 321-5111 or 629-4522 Ext. 7391 FAX 360-678-4120 Camano Office: 121 N. East Camano Dr., Camano Island, WA 98282, 387-3443 ext. 258, E-mail: [email protected] Web address: www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu

Words From Barbara Bennett, Program Coordinator

WSU Extension Island County Beach Watchers

Administration in Action

I am celebrating the accomplishments of 2012 and anticipating 2013 as a year of transitions.

During 2012, WSU Island County Beach Watchers have gained strength, partnerships and citizen science research trac-tion. Thank you all for a terrific year. Mark your calendars for the Annual Meeting. We will review the many accom-plishments of the year on Camano and Whidbey Islands and look ahead to goals for 2013.

The Annual Meeting will be on January 22, 2013, starting at 10:00 AM and wrapping up at 2:00 PM. We will break for lunch to allow plenty of time for cross-island connections. The location and agenda details will be announced the first week in January. Look for the announcement, and mark your calendars now.

2013 is shaping up to be a year of transition. The Beach Watchers program has grown organically here in the northern region of Puget Sound and along the Strait of Juan de Fuca for many years. The program has taken many shapes in local counties, and the university is now considering the future of the program.

A comprehensive proposal for all types of environmentally focused outreach for WSU, including Beach Watchers, has been presented to the WSU Extension Administrators by Timothy Lawrence, Director of Island County Extension in his role as regional lead faculty for the Beach Watchers program.

The new Director of WSU Extension, Dr. Rich Koenig, is considering Tim’s proposal. See the following link for Dr. Koenig’s background: wsunews.wsu.edu/pages/publications.asp?Action=Detail&PublicationID=33314

In the meantime, Tim is gradually bringing all Island County Extension programs into conformance with University policies and procedures. Currently he is working with the Lighthouse Environmental Program (LEP) in developing an agreement that makes clear the relationship between the University and LEP. LEP is a non-profit organization that provides financial support for Island County Beach Watchers, Waste Wise and the Lighthouse program.

The Island County Beach Watchers Advisory Council is moving forward in two areas. See Tom Voss’ article for more details. One committee is working on Whidbey to coordinate membership meetings, continuing education and public outreach – similar to a long-standing committee on Camano. A second committee is considering organizational models of other WSU Extension programs. This committee will consider options in anticipation of the Extension’s decision and the finalized agreement between the University and LEP.

Barbara Bennett, BW Class of 2011 BW Program Coordinator [email protected]

Page 2 November 2012 Beach Log

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Encouraged by the turnouts to the Summer Kickoff and Wrap-up meetings on Whidbey, your BWAC is looking into the next step we mentioned previously: the idea of replacing or supplementing our monthly breakfast gatherings with monthly or bi-monthly member meetings.

Using the well-developed model of our Camano members, these meetings would offer a forum to keep in touch with up-coming programs or events, enjoy a speaker or presentation, and just socialize with our friends, especially in these drizzly days that put a challenge into meeting them on the beach. Of course, these meetings take

some effort to organize and implement. Our Camano partners have found that this can be done through an established Steering Committee. Focused on volunteer interests and community needs, the Steering Com-mittee supports the BWAC by acting as a conduit for member concerns and helping/overseeing the project leaders with their many activities. This would allow the BWAC to devote more time in their meetings to address the business matters of the Beach Watchers Program.

To maintain consistency across our two island organization, it has been proposed that Whidbey adopt some operating procedures developed by the Camano Steering Committee: membership limited to a manageable 10-12 (including a member or two from BWAC to assure/expedite communication), non-BWAC membership ap-proved by vote of the members, and terms limited to a staggered 3 year tenure. These ideas are being discussed at the BWAC meetings and, as they firm up, will be presented for approval at our end of the year annual meeting. Membership endorse-ments and support are critical to success.

If you have any ideas that would add to these deliberations, or if you have an interest in par-ticipating as a Steering Committee member, please contact one of your BWAC members or join us at the upcoming BWAC meeting January 22. www.beachwatchers.wsu.edu/island/info/council.htm

Tom Vos, BWAC President, [email protected]

Words From Tom Vos, President

Beach Watchers Advisory Council (BWAC)

Administration in Action


Camano Island: An Example of Relaxed Planning Administration in Action

Every fall the WSU Island County Beach Watchers based on Camano Island plan their activities and assign leads for the coming year. This year, at the monthly meeting on November 5th, the facilitation team of Alice Blandin and Pat Foss made short work of prioritizing a long list of activities. About 50 Beach Watchers participated.

Discussion included updates on the history and current status of projects, considerations of new ways to move a concept forward, and identification of individuals with a desire to take the lead for the coming year. Some projects attracted teams, some only one individual, others gained a new shape. Other areas of work were retired (at least for a while) and a few were retained, but without a lead at this time.

This informative and relaxed process allowed the majority of the Camano Island-based Beach Watchers to be current regarding activities in their community and participate in shaping the coming year’s agenda. Fol-lowing a group discussion on each area of work, and a vote on the level of enthusiasm for each area, the following projects and leads were identified (no vote was taken for the area of Adminstration):

Article by Barbara Bennett (BW Class of 2011) based on minutes provided by Alice Blandin (BW Class of 2002) and in consultation with Janet Kramer (BW Class of 2006)

EDUCATION Science Committee FOCIP 2nd Grade Education CamOcean Festival 4th Wednesday Series Escape Cord Water Quality Beach Education – youth Speakers – monthly meetings

Linda and Dave Brubaker and Paul Robertson Alice Blandin Bobbye Miller Terry Skorheim Tom Perry Pete Domoto Pat Foss and Suzie Gaffney Carol Gillespie

RESEARCH

Monitoring Sound Toxin Project Ghost Shrimp Monitoring Eel Grass Project

Alex Keggan Jack Peary, Pete Domoto, Terry Skorheim Russ Holmes, Gary Skorheim, Barbara Brock Steve Shuttack

STEWARDSHIP

Habitat Restoration Shore Stewards

Russ Holmes Scott Chase

RELATIONSHIPS

Noxious Weeds Waste Wise Marine Resource Committee Salmon Recovery FOCIP COASST Marine Mammal Stranding Master Gardners CISP Talks Cama Beach Foundation

Russ Holmes Scott Chase Scott Chase Barbara Brock Scott Chase Alice Blandin Jen Chapin and Gary Skorheim Janet Kramer Tina Dinzl-Pederson at Cama Beach State Park John Custer


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Welcome to the WSU Beach Watchers Class of 2012 Education In Action

Left to right: Bill Viertel, Janis Collins, Patrick Collins, Margaret Elphic, Karen Hagstrom, Gary Rassner-Donovan, Dennis Nealon, Sue Salveson, Cheryl Lowe, Michelle Kisinger, Mitch Incarnato, Paul Morris, and Kelly Zupich Please welcome our new Beach Watchers, who gave over 1,000 hours of volunteer time even before graduating! The class became involved in the Mussel Watch program as their class project, in addition to all the other activi-ties in which they were involved. With only 13 students, they were a smaller class than usual, but made up for that in energy and enthusiasm. Each year we say “this is the best class ever”, and this year was no exception. Barbara Bennett was able to put together an interesting and challenging curriculum, with outstanding presenters. The 100 hours of training were divided into two months of class sessions with a mix of lectures, site visits and hands on experiences. Pictured below are some of the many activities during the training: collecting plankton at the Coupeville Wharf, checking out a pillow star at Western Washington University’s Marine Research Center at Shannon Point, touring Penn Cove Mussels and site visits at Cornet Bay. The training committee assisted in advertising, interviewing, coordinating and helping to make sure the training went smoothly. I have been a training committee member for five years, and it is really fun meeting all the pro-spective Beach Watchers! If you would like to join the training committee on Whidbey Island, please contact me at [email protected].

. Photo courtesy of Jill Hein

Continued...


Class of 2012 (...continued) Those of us able to attend the graduation ceremony enjoyed the well planned presentations of the class members. As is typical of Beach Watchers events, we enjoyed great food and the company of many fellow Beach Watchers. A big thanks to the Social Events committee members, who helped decorate and assured graduation went off without a hitch. While focusing on training, plans are well underway for next year’s classes on both Whidbey and Camano Islands. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to join our ranks. .

Ala Spit Cornet Bay

Collecting Plankton

Visiting WWU

Sue Howard, BW Class of 2006


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WhaleFest 2012, Brighton, UK Education in Action

Island County Beach Watchers Sandra Pollard-Snowberger (class of 2009) and Dick Snowberger (class of 2011) took a trip to England in October to attend WhaleFest 2012. The event, which spanned four days to include a two day World Whale Confer-ence and a Whale Watch Operators’ Conference, was held at the historic Brighton Metropol Hotel, where thirty years ago the International Whaling Commis-sion signed the moratorium to stop whaling.

The weekend saw the doors open to the public, who were able to enjoy visiting the Great Whale Sanctuary to wander among different species of life-sized whales. Humpbacks sang in competition with killer whales’ echolocation clicks and whistles.

Numerous NGO’s and whale and dolphin watching com-panies came from as far away as Tonga, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada and the US. Adults and children alike en-joyed ‘virtual whale watching’, many returning for a second session, while the Cinema of the Sea showed a number of documentaries and films. Celebrities and speakers ‘spouted off’ in Chamber 1, including New Zealand orca researcher, Dr Ingrid Visser, who swims with killer whales. Represent-ing the Greenbank based sightings organization Orca Net-work, Sandra and Dick ‘spouted off’ in Chamber 2 with their presentation ‘Icons of the Salish Sea’ about the en-dangered southern resident killer whales.

With over 6,000 visitors attending the second year of WhaleFest, the event was a resounding success. Plans are already underway for WhaleFest 2013 and a big drive to sign organizations and individuals to ‘Save the Whales: Reloaded’ is also underway.

For more information see www.whale-fest.com and www.savethewhalesreloaded.org/.

Sandra Pollard-Snowberger, BW Class of 2009


Every Crab Should Die Deliciously Not Wasted in a Derelict Crab Pot Educational Outreach In Action Photo Courtesy of Northwest Straits

Beach Watchers partner with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to reduce wasted harvest due to derelict crabbing gear.

The WDFW estimates that every year hundreds of thousands of pounds of Dungeness crabs die a wasted death in lost crabbing gear - known as derelict gear - that can continues to catch and kill for months and years after being lost. This year (2012), the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife contracted with WSU Island County Beach Watchers in 8 counties to reduce derelict crabbing gear and increase compliance with crabbing regulations through educational outreach. Beach Watchers across the region applied ingenuity to employ proven strategies in face-to-face discussions with crabbers at boat launches and marinas. In some communities, Chef Night’s were used to attract crabbers with fun and food, and provide a diet of solid information as well. Other communities developed

new educational materials, published articles in local papers, and one even produced a video to make the mes-sages lively and clear.

While the mission is serious, the methods were often light hearted and full of fun. Bright red crab hats or decorations opened conversations with a smile and set the tone to discuss the joys of crabbing – and techniques to sustain the crab population and avoid waste. Most important reminders are to:

1. Harvest only males that meet or exceed the size limit

2. Use cotton twine (also known as “rott’n cott’n”) to hold doors on pots closed (not plastic ties or synthetic rope) – so the cotton can rot if the pot is lost.

In Island County, Tom Perry led teams on Camano Island, Mary Williford led the north Whidbey team, Cheryl Lowe led the central Whidbey team and Ken Urstad led the south Whidbey team. Together they distributed a total of 14,279 packets of materials and had face-to-face contact with 1,630 crabbers. Contacts were made at marinas and boat launches, festivals and community gatherings. Materials were also distributed through several hardware stores that sell licenses and in collaboration with the County Sheriff and other partners.

Evaluation of the project will depend upon WDFW collections of lost crab pots in the region and enforcement reports for the summer and fall seasons. Those reports are not yet available. The 2013 crabbing season is only months away and, with indi-cations of success, this grant may repeat. Together we will assure sustainable har-vesting practices for this delicious local specialty.

Barbara Bennett, BW class of 2011

Crab educators top left clockwise: Mary Williford, BW Class of 2008, Ken Urstad, BW Class of 2005, Cheryl Lowe, BW Class of 2012

Photos Courtesy of Barbara Bennett


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Fun in the Mud Holmes Harbor Eelgrass Survey 2012

Research In Action

Introduction By Barbara Bennett, BW Class of 2011: Jan Holmes presented a poster on her eelgrass study at the Salish Sea Conference, 2011. At that time, Jan anticipated several more years of study to reach her goal to bring her research to publication. When Jan passed away only a short time after the Salish Sea Conference, Phyllis Kind agreed to coordi-nate continuation of Jan’s study. In collaboration with Jan’s good friend and colleague, Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria, PhD, and a team of Island County Beach Watchers – many of whom had helped Jan col-lect eelgrass data in the mud of Holmes Harbor, Phyllis stepped in this spring to collect 2012 data and move the study toward possible future publication. As is the case with scientific studies, Dr. Wyllie-Echeverria introduced new questions for future consideration, suggesting that more eelgrass research is possible here in Island County.

In 2009, Jan Holmes initiated surveys of eelgrass in Holmes Harbor. Jan would have wanted those surveys to continue so we monitored the eelgrass in June of 2012. We were honored to have Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria, PhD, an international expert in sea-grasses, join us. He gave us a wonderful lesson in the biology of eelgrass.

Mary Jo Adams found the equipment we needed, as well as the data from 2009 to 2011. In previous years, Jan may have given directions to the volunteers without the use of a written protocol. Fortunately, most of the volunteers had participated before and they were able to train the new volunteers.

To assure the same sections are measured each year, permanent PVC pipes mark the placing of the 24 one me-ter quadrats. Beach Watchers volunteers got down on their hands and knees in the mud and counted vegeta-tive and reproductive shoots in each of quadrats. In addition, the length and width of four randomly selected vegetative shoots per quadrat were measured, and the number of branches of two reproductive shoots per quadrat was counted. Four vegetative samples were taken from the east and west sections to measure the length of the internodes.

Holmes Harbor eelgrass appears to be stable over the short period of time it has been surveyed. The 2012 data are comparable to the data from 2009 to 2011.

Pictured from left to right are Phyllis Kind, Ken Urstad, Sandy Wyllie-Echeverria and Mary Jo Adams at Holmes Harbor adjacent to Nichols Brothers, Spring 2012.

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Bennett

Phyllis Kind, BW Class of 2000



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Sound Waters 2013 is Coming Your Way Educational Outreach in Action

The best of old and new will combine in the upcoming 2013 Sound Waters Conference: great speakers, old friends, the energy of being together with 500 other folks passionate about our world.

The keynote speaker is none other than Dr. Cliff Mass, professor of Atmospheric Science at the Univer-sity of Washington. You may be familiar with his voice on KPLU radio, or have seen his book, but on February 2 you can hear him in person and ask your questions. Dr Mass’s keynote address is entitled “Global Warming’s Impacts on the Pacific Northwest: Separating Facts from Hype.”

The 2013 Sound Waters conference will have a new venue, Oak Harbor High School. This location fea-tures a large Field House, where exhibitors old and new will have more room to display their information and talk with you.

The day also features a total of 65 sessions. You can select your favorites from sustainability, wildlife, rec-reation, educating children, or history and culture. The hardest part is picking your top 3 choices! Learn about soils and gardening, fishing, a video tour beneath the Salish Sea, crabbing, the Elwha restoration, tsunamis debris, loons, groundwater, and the impact of noise on sea life. To see all the choices, visit the website at www.beachwatchers.net/soundwaters.

Such a powerful event is the result of diligent work by the Sound Waters 2013 Team. Led by Mary Hul-bert and Nicole Luce, the team has been on track and creative for many months. Programs chair Linda Ridder, ably assisted by Sue Salveson, secured over 80 presenters and currently are getting their updates on the website. Lee Chavez, Paul Morris and Rudy Deck are working on the new venue, inside and out, with Arlene Stebbins handling signage to help attendees find their way. The all important lunch and snacks are being managed by Kim McJury, Ingri Johnson, Charlene Cohen and Pat Price. Bob Gentz is on top of the financial and fundraising work, with great help from Mary Williford. Karen Hagstrom has taken on a new duty, managing sales of presenters’ books, CDs and other materials. The crucial web support team relies on the clear thinking of Connie Clark and Jill Hein. The exhibits portion will be awesome, well coor-dinated by Melody Kuschnereit. The registration team of Nicole Luce, Gladys Howard, Karen Hagstrom, Sue Salveson and Pat Price are updating this essential piece as well. Joani Boose is already making arrange-ments for our participant packet party. Alternative transportation is being encouraged by Cheryl Lowe. Mary Hulbert, Gary Rassner-Donovan, Julie Ward, and Pat Price are working on publicity, using elec-tronic, radio and print media. And by the way, we are using photos in the brochure taken by Jill Hein and Gregg Ridder! Watch for upcoming volunteer opportunities as packets are stuffed and tables moved, chairs and signs are set up, and the event day arrives. Our new Volunteer Coordinator, Kelly Zupich, is the one to contact when you want to lend a hand.

Save these dates: February 2nd is Sound Waters. Registration will open on January 5, 2013. Check out the website, mark your calendar, stay tuned for volunteer opportunities, and call an old friend to share the day. Maybe this could solve that impossible holiday gift challenge, a day together learning more about our world. So please help us get the word out and we’ll see you at Sound Waters.

Julie Ward, BW Class of 2011


NEWS RELEASE Nov. 28, 2012

MEDIA CONTACT: Alicia Lawver, Public Information Officer, (360) 464-2011, [email protected] Partnership honors four Island County Puget Sound Champions PHOTO: http://bit.ly/UcIZ11 COUPEVILLE – Today the Puget Sound Partnership honored four “Puget Sound Champions” from the Is-land Local Integration Organization during a ceremony in Coupeville. These individuals and organizations were recognized for their exceptional work protecting and restoring habitat, cleaning up polluted water, and engaging the community in implementing the Action Agenda – the Partnership’s regional plan to clean up Puget Sound. The honorees are partners with the Island Local Integration Organization, one of 10 local watershed-based groups the Partnership works with to help set priorities for local programs and projects. “Though we are only recognizing four recipients today we know this is just the tip of the iceberg of dedicated individuals and organizations contributing in Island County,” said Steve Sakuma, CEO of Sakuma Brothers In. and a member of the Partnership’s Leadership Council. “Though a token, these awards represent the apprecia-tion of the Puget Sound region – from both current and future generations.” Award winners include: Nancy Waddell—Whidbey Watershed Stewards Nancy has worked to protect, enhance and communicate about the environment on Whidbey Island since 2002. She joined Maxwelton Salmon Adventure in 2002 to coordinate the Maxwelton History Project and edit the book “A Journey Through the MaxWelton Watershed.” Nancy became the administrative coordinator for the organization, which changed its name to Whidbey Watershed Stewards in 2006. The group has thrived under her leadership, carrying out many restoration projects, community events and operating the Maxwelton Outdoor Classroom for school districts throughout Whidbey Island and beyond. When the Puget Sound Partnership cre-ated the ECO Networks in 2009 to focus on education, communication and outreach about Puget Sound issues, Nancy became the coordinator of the Whidbey ECO Net group, continuing through June 2012. In that capacity, she managed several grants that benefited the work of many of the 20 or so local organizations that comprise Whidbey ECO Net, and the health of Puget Sound. Pat Powell—Whidbey Camano Land Trust Since 1984, the Whidbey Camano Land Trust has been protecting Island County’s most important natural habi-tats, scenic vistas and working farms and forests in partnership with landowners and the community. In 2003, the Land Trust hired its professional staff, including Pat Powell. Since that time, there has been a phenomenal in-crease in the quality and quantity of lands protected, cared for and restored. The Land Trust’s work is significant and its portfolio is a testament to the conservation work performed in Island County, including: · 32 conservation easements protecting 1,166 acres of privately held land for their conservation values. · 18 assist projects that have protected 1,656 acres. · 11 properties owned by the Land Trust that protect 849 acres. · 3,291 acres of coastal tidelands are also owned by the Land Trust, ensuring permanent public access along beaches. · 63 grants secured since 2003, totaling more than $25 million for permanent protection and restoration of natural areas, farmlands, fish and wildlife habitat, and coastal and freshwater wetlands. In the 2010 acquisition of the 654-acre Trillium Community Forest, more than 1,500 households donated to the project, helping the Land Trust raise $4.2 million in just seven months to purchase and protect the largest, con-tinuous private property in the county. This year, the Land Trust became one of an elite few to be awarded na-tional accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the national Land Trust Alliance. Of the 1,700 land trusts located around the country, just 158 have achieved this distinction.

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News Release (... continued)

A One Day University—WSU Beach Watchers for Sound Waters This “one-day university for all” event has been held for more than 15 years on the first Saturday in Febru-ary on Whidbey Island. WSU Beach Watcher volunteers work tirelessly every year to engage a staggering 500-plus people in a whole day of learning about a broad diversity of topics related to Puget Sound recov-ery. Most years, they offer a list of more than 60 presenters that constitutes a who’s who in the fields of en-vironmental science, education and naturalists from across the region. It is significant in and of itself to get that many people energized and engaged on Whidbey Island in the month of February, but to be run so professionally by volunteers and be a significant fundraiser for the program makes it all the more impres-sive. Christine Longdon—CamOcean Day at Cama Beach Three years ago Christine Longdon was a passionate woman with an idea and a lot of determination. At first, she had trouble getting people to return her calls because she was not affiliated with an organization and no one was familiar with her. But in 2010, Christine almost single-handedly launched this environ-mental education event that regularly draws more than 2,000 people each year. She has repeated this feat for three years running and has brought on nearly 35 partner organizations to participate and engage in envi-ronmental education activities and all-day programs for families. Three years later, people know Christine is a valuable community resource and are joining her 2013 CamOcean Day Committee. Christine is now also involved as a WSU Beach Watcher and Cama Beach State Park volunteer. “Working together is the key to making Puget Sound healthy again,” said Anthony Wright, executive direc-tor of the Puget Sound Partnership. “The region is making progress because of the many talented and dedi-cated people committed to championing Puget Sound recovery efforts.” About the Champion awards Puget Sound Champion awards are presented by the Leadership Council to honor partner contributions to the Puget Sound ecosystem recovery effort. To learn about other Puget Sound Champions, go to www.psp.wa.gov/champions.php. About the Partnership The Puget Sound Partnership is the organization leading the recovery of Puget Sound. The Partnership is a state agency that coordinates the efforts of citizens, governments, tribes, scientists and businesses to set priorities, implement a regional recovery plan and ensure accountability for results. For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov. Front Row L->R: Nicole Luce (BW), Jill Hein (BW), Barbara Bennett (BW), Linda Ade Ridder (BW), Nancy Waddell (Whidbey Watersheds)

Middle Row L->R: Lynda Ransley (PSP) Tim Lawrence (BW), Peggy Urstad (BW), Patty Cohick (BW), Sammye Kempbell (BW), Connie Clark (BW), Tom Cahill (WCLT), Pat Powell (WCLT), Elizabeth Guss (WCLT), John Lee, Steve Sakuma (PSP)

Back Row L-> R: Janet Hall (Waste Wise), Tom Vos (BW), Don Meehan (BW), Graham Johnson (BW), Julie Ward (BW).


Citizen Science - Mussel Watch Beach Watchers Class of 2012 Project

Research in Action

Introduction by Barbara Bennett, BW Class of 2011: Mussel Watch is a research project sponsored by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to monitor marine coastal waters around the United States using test cages of mussels posted at sites of interest. In the State of Washington, the Department of Fish and Wildlife is coordinating this study. In Puget Sound alone over 100 sites will be tested. Penn Cove Mussels has donated 4000 mussels for test cages throughout Puget Sound. These mussels had to be sorted and cleaned, measured and bagged in preparation for the study. The WSU Island County Beach Watchers Class of 2012 decided to make this study their class project. Team Lead, Karen Hagstrom who provided this report, coordi-nated their work. WSU Island County Beach Watchers also took responsibility for posting test cages at 5 sites pre-selected by WDFW on Whidbey Island: Cornet Bay, in collaboration with Washington State Parks; Ala Spit and Dave Mackey Park in collaboration with Island County Parks; Holmes Harbor near Baby Island and the Crescent Harbor region in collaboration with pri-vate tideland owners. WDFW identified only one site on Camano and negotiated coverage by a tribal team for that site.

Site teams scoped out their sites before the day of deployment. On the day of deployment, each team took possession of bagged test mussels, a cage for mounting and equipment to secure the cages at each site. These teams then went to the zero tide level at their site at low tide (between 9:00 and 11:00 PM depending upon the date). Teams reported their work to Karen who summarized the project in her report.

See also the link here for an article from the Whidbey Examiner with more details.

Local mussels star in research on pollution

http://www.whidbeyexaminer.com/news/179669171.html#

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Mussell Watch Project (... continued)

Making Bags

Elements were windy and rainy as members of our class gathered on the beach at Penn Cove to make 565 bags for the mussels to reside in at 113 sites where they will be deployed (five on Whidbey Island).

Bagging

Bagging began the following day. Mussels were rough sorted for appropriate size and condition ensuring no broken shells or gaping. Mussels were then fine sorted, inspected once again for broken shells, gaping and re- measured using a caliper and length called out to the recorder and placed in holding tray with bag serial number. Recorder called back measurement and recorded size in datasheet under bag serial number. When 16 mussels had been put into holding tray it was set aside for bagging. Mussels were taken from holding tray, recounted and condition verified. Eight mussels were placed per side in bag and cinched in the middle with a zip tie. End of bags were sealed with zip ties and serial number attached. When 40 bags had been made they were attached to a rope. The ropes were then taken out to a Penn Cove shellfish raft where they rested for two weeks before deployment.

Deployment

Deployment date/time for each site was scheduled and land owners notified along with WDFW. Arrange-ments were made to pick up the mussels at Penn Cove several hours before low tide. When the mussels were picked up a “Chain of Custody” form had to be completed. Mussel bags were attached inside cages, positioned and the cages were anchored and placed between 0 and -1.5 feet mean lower low water (MLLW). Landmark was recorded to help remember cage location. GPS location recorded and put on datasheet and pictures were taken.

Cornet Bay: Site is approx. 200 m east of the public boat ramp. Beach is mixed cobbles and silt. Deploy-ment took place at 8:10 PM on 11/12. 0' tide was at 8:00, with -1.86 max. low at 9:56. Cage attached with screw anchor and two pieces of rebar. Ala Spit: Site is approx 150 m east (offshore) of the bulkhead/seawall. Beach is shallow sand/silt. Deploy-ment took place at 8:45 PM on 11/12. 0' tide was at 8:15, with -1.86 max. low at 9:56. Cage attached with screw anchor and two pieces of rebar. Given the violent wave action and the large amount of debris in this area during winter storms, I don't believe the cage will survive, but we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Continued...


Mussell Watch Project (... continued)

Crescent Harbor: All went really well last night (Nov 14), plus we had no wind, no rain, and no one sank to their eyeballs in mud!!! Karen Peabody-Eastridge was delightful to work with, BW Dennis Nealson was camera man, Steppe Williford was record keeper, Dr. Monem was quality assurance technician and Mary Willford got to handle the fledging mussels. The access property owners were delighted to help. All in all a great effort. Steppe and Mary plan to go back out in the next two weeks to see if the anchoring effort held. Storm forecasted this weekend with winds. Our first test.

Dave Mackey Park: On November 12, BW Gregg Ridder, Sue Salveson, and Gary Rassner-Donovan teamed up to place one of the Mussel Watch cages on Maxwelton Beach at low/low tide around 8 at night. Donning muck boots, head lamps, cage and gear we were successful in the placement and anchoring of the cage. We recorded the GPS bearings, took pictures, and headed back to shore. Our weather was free of rain, slight winds, so placement went quickly and easily.

Holmes Harbor at Baby Island: November 13, BW Ken Urstad joined our team for placement of an-other mussel cage, around 9:00 pm. at Holmes Harbor near Baby Island. Anchoring of the cage was in softer substrate so we screwed the helical anchor as far to the surface and attached the cage there. Both 4' rebar stakes went in without hammering. GPS bearings, and pictures were also taken. Again we were very appreciative of calm weather which made placement quickly and without complications.

The mussels will reside in these locations for two months and then will travel to Olympia for testing.

Pictured center (in red) is Jennifer Lanksbury, WDFW Mus-sel Watch Lead Scientist. Going counter-clockwise from Jennifer are Karen Hagstrom BW class of 2012, Pat Collins BW class of 2012, Michelle Kisinger BW class of 2012, Jill Hein BW class of 2005 and on the Training Committee, Janis Collins BW class of 2012 and Mitch Incarnato BW class of 2012.

Photo Courtesy of Barbara Bennett

Karen Hagstrom, BW Class of 2012 Team Lead for Class Project


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Audubon Christmas Bird Count Research In Action

The 112th Audubon Christmas Bird Count is just around the corner, and there are two opportunities for you to help with this historic event on Whidbey Island.

South end count – Saturday, December 15th – the boundaries for this count are from Greenbank Farm in the north, to Maxwelton and the Clinton Ferry dock to the south.

If you are interested in participating, contact Govinda Rosling at [email protected] to join one of many teams counting on the south end. No experience necessary.

North end count – Saturday, December 22nd – the north end covers Crock-ett Lake/Keystone Spit areas, up to Deception Pass. If you’d like to partici-pate, contact Jill Hein at [email protected] to join a team. Again, no ex-perience necessary.

At the end of each count day, there’ll be an opportunity to meet, chat, and enjoy good warm food and beverages with other birders (more details later). Sign up for one, or both days!

Jill Hein, BW class of 2005


Finding Fellow Beach Watchers Administration in Action

Did you know that you can look up fellow BW’s online? Just login to our Volunteer Hours database (http://volunteerhours.org/bw/island) and click on the Find tab.

Suppose you want to find Gene Thrasher – enter part of his name and click on the find button (enter key also works). There are usually several matches, as shown above.

Now click on the person you want – and their contact information will appear at the right.

For advanced searches, if you put a pipe symbol between two words in your search, you will get everything that matches any of the words. For example, not sure if Cathy’s name starts with a C or K? Try this for Name: cat|kat

For South Whidbey and new BW – try Class Year: 2011|2012 and City: clinton|lang|free

Everyone’s information is available to you only while you are logged in. If you do not want your information shared, you may indicate this at your My Info tab, but we strongly encourage all BW to keep the default share setting.

Connie Clark, BW Class of 2007


Page 18

Beach Watchers Holiday Parties Administration in Action

I don’t know if I am alone, but I was stunned to see that Thanksgiving has already come and gone. That means our holiday parties are not far behind, December 13 on Whidbey and December 7 on Camano. Those of you who have attended these events in the past know they are a lot of fun, an excuse to get together with other Beach Watchers and an opportunity to raise some money for our program.

Both parties host silent auctions and raffles, so we are busy reaching out for donations of items and events we would all enjoy. Many businesses make donations for these events, but Beach Watchers have donated, at past par-ties, some very popular items, as well. Consider hosting a dinner or party at your home, and event on your boat, a service (massages and pampering go over well) or time at your vacation home! These offerings do very well, as do items of value.

If you have an item or event to donate, contact Sue Howard, on Whidbey Island ([email protected]) or Alice Blandin ([email protected] on Camano Island. We can assist you by being prepared with a bid sheet, and help you with a certificate, if necessary. Having advance notice of dona-tions helps us prepare for the events, so that everything goes smoothly.

All members and staff will be receiving notices about the Holiday Parties, and we hope to see you there!

Sue Howard, BW class of 2006

Speaking of the Holidays, Here is an Idea For a Fun Educational Gift

A Sound Waters Gift Certificate will enable the recipient to:

1. Attend Sound Waters on Saturday, Feb 2, 2013, at Oak Harbor High School

2. Hear Dr. Cliff Mass give the keynote on “Global Warming’s Impacts on the Pacific Northwest: Separating Facts from Hype”

3. Participate in 3 classes from a wide range of more than 60 topics plus enjoy a catered lunch

A Sound Waters Gift Certificate is only $50 and includes lunch. A student Gift Certificate is also available for $35 and includes lunch.

But hurry, this offers ends December 23, 2012.


Training for the Island County Beach Watchers of 2013 is already taking shape. There will be two classes of up to 20 each, one on Whidbey and one on Camano.

Applications will be accepted through February 28th. The application form is posted at: http://county.wsu.edu/island/nrs/beachwatchers

Each week in April and October the classes will meet as a whole on Wednesdays and share lectures and ac-tivities. A second session will take place on each island, Mondays on Whidbey and Thursdays on Ca-mano. This experiment in scheduling promises to create new connections county-wide for the class and promises for great discussions.

Please share this information and encourage those you know who are interested to apply.

Barbara Bennett, BW Class of 2011


Page 20

Beach Watchers - Education Verses Advocacy

Educational Outreach In Action Introduction by Barbara Bennett, BW Class of 2011 As an educational institution, WSU does not advocate for specific positions on local policies. Instead, the University (through Extension) strives to equip citizens to be knowledgeable about their areas of interest and able to make informed decisions regarding local policy questions. All WSU Beach Watchers (whenever they use that title) represent the University and the BW program and, therefore, must strive to present balanced, neutral science-based information. Personal opinions or advo-cacy policies are only appropriate when we each make it clear we are speaking not as a WSU BW volun-teer, but as a private citizen (or in some other non-BW role).

Current Policy Deliberations of Interest to Island County and the Surrounding Region

Island County Shoreline Management Plan deliberations and public hearings continue (Nov. 29, Dec. 5 and Jan. 30), see the Island County Planning Department Website:

http://www.islandcounty.net/planning/shorelines.htm Cherry Point Coal Terminal public hearings continue through January 21: See the Washington

Department of Ecology website for background and schedules: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/geographic/gatewaypacific/ Ocean Acidification, the Governor's Blue Panel presented their recommendations regarding

this issue on 11/27, see this site for their full report and background on this topic: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/water/marine/oceanacidification.html


Upcoming Beach Watchers Events

Advisory Council

Jan 22 Annual Meeting 10:00-2:00 Details TBA

Note: The BWAC voted at their Nov. meeting to delay the election of new members and officers for 6 months. Instead, they agreed to extend their terms to assure continuity through 2013's organizational discus-sions (see pages 1 and 2). This decision is at some sacrifice of other plans and obligations. What a dedicated group of leaders! Elections will be held mid-year for BWAC officers and members.

Camano Island Dec 7 - Holiday Party – Camano Country Club 5:30

Jan 5 – FOCIP Winter Walk – Elger Bay Preserve – 9:50am

Jan 31 – Storming the Sound North – Maple Hall, LaConnor – 9:00am – 4:00pm

Feb 2 – FOCIP Winter Walk – Cama Beach State Park – Meet at Ivy Road and Dry Lake Road – 9:50am

Feb 23-24 – Port Susan Snow Goose Festival

Mar 1 & 2 – Snohomish Conservation Plant Sale – 8:30-6pm - Evergreen State Fairgrounds in Monroe

Mar 2 – FOCIP Winter Walk – Camano Ridge Forest Preserve – Meet at Blue Building – 9:50am

Apr 6 – FOCIP Winter Walk – Cama to CISP – Meet at Ivy Road and Dry Lake Road – 9:50am

May 4 – FOCIP Winter Walk – Iverson Spit Preserve – 9:50am

Jan 2th, Jan 30th, Feb 27th, Mar 27th, May 1st, May 29th, July 31st, Sept 4th, Oct 2nd, Oct 30th, 2013 Steering Committee Schedule, Wednesdays, 9:30 am:

April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25 - 2013 BW training 900 - 3:30, venues vary

Whidbey Island

2nd Friday BW Breakfast at Neil’s Clover Patch - No BW breakfast on Dec. 14.; next breakfasts January 11, Feb. 8, March 8

Thursday 13 December 5:30 – 9PM. Whidbey BW Holiday Party Coupeville Rec. Hall

December 15, Christmas Bird South Count - see page 16 for details

December 22, Christmas Bird North Count - see page 16 details

February 2, Sound Waters, Saturday Oak Harbor High School

April 1, 3, 8, 10,15,17, 22,24, 29 - 2013 BW training 900 - 3:30, venues vary


Page 22

Creative Giving Note from Barbara Bennett, BW Coordinator: You will soon be receiving information about the WSU Island County Fund Raising Campaign. Through this campaign you may make a contribution directly to the WSU Island County Beach Watchers Excellence Fund, the Island County Extension program overall or any of its programs. Your contributions to the WSU Island County Beach Watchers Excellence fund and the LEP Beach Watchers Fund will both benefit the WSU Beach Watchers program in Island County. Please consider creative giving.

Lighthouse Environmental Programs was pleasantly surprised to receive a corporate matching donation from Mi-crosoft for an employee’s purchase of a Lighthouse specialty license plate. This demonstrated great imagination on the part of the employee. Anyone who is an employee or retiree from a company that matches their donations and has purchased a Lighthouse License Plate, should consider applying for a matching donation to LEP (or even to the Washington State Parks if they did not opt out of that $5 donation when they renewed their plates).

LEP also learned that two new real estate brokers in Oak Harbor have initiated a program allowing their clients to donate 20% of their commission to one of five local non-profits. LEP and its councils are one of those five se-lected for this program. In addition, there are fishing charters in Anacortes that donate a portion of their proceeds

to charities. Unfortunately LEP is not one of the recipients; however one has previously donated a fishing trip to the Beach Watchers holiday auction.

If you consistently support a local business, think about asking them to sup-port Beach Watchers on a regular basis. Ask your employer to do the same, especially if you are retired. Let them know that our program’s existence depends upon their support.

Another way to increase your benefit from a donation to Beach Watchers is to contribute stock that has appreciated in value. You get to deduct the cur-

rent value of the stock without having to recognize the gain on the appreciated value. Check with your tax advisor on this option.

And lastly, consider updating your will to include an endowment to Beach Watchers. We only need about $18,000 added to our existing endowment funds to be able to invest them with WSU. The WSU endowment program is currently yielding over 4%, much better than the 0.2% we are earning at our current bank.

John Howard, BW Treasurer, LEP Treasurer, BW Class of 2008

Beach Log Team Managing editor: Joanne McMillen, BW Class of 2011 Associate editors: Julie Ward, BW Class of 2011; Jill Hein, BW Class of 2005; Barbara Bennett, BW class of 2011

2012 BWAC Members

Tom Vos (W)-President; Janet Kramer(C)-Vice President; Nicole Luce (W)-Secretary; John Howard (W)-Treasurer; Pam Cooper(C), Skip Ingraham (C), Bobbye Miller(C), Mary Hulbert

(W), Virginia Walton (W), Kathy Fritts (W), Sue Howard (W), Michelle Johnson (W).


THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

DEADLINE FOR NEXT BEACH LOG January 27, 2013

Documents

Beach Log N - Sound Water Stewards · Page 2 November 2012 Beach Log Page 2 Encouraged by the turnouts to the Summer Kickoff and Wrap-up meetings on Whidbey, your BWAC is looking