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WA Aquatic Reserves - Marine Treasures in Our Own Backyard

WA Aquatic Reserves - Marine Treasures in Our Own Backyard

Right here in Skagit County we have some amazing aquatic habitats that are so important that they've been designated as two of seven Washington State Aquatic Reserves. I'm talking about our own Fidalgo Bay – right here in Anacortes and Cypress Island just west of here. Over the past two years, Trail Tales has been working closely with the DNR's Aquatic Reserves program to highlight the unique marine habitats in Fidalgo Bay as part of our interpretive programs. In 2013, we worked closely with DNR staff who provided two interpretive signs highlighting the Fidalgo Bay reserve, which have been installed along with the Trail Tales signs developed under funding from the WA Dept. of Ecology.

WA DNR Reserves MapThis is a great example of the benefits that Trail Tales has realized by partnering with other organizations to educate our community and visitors about the importance of protecting our marine and shoreline ecosystems. DNR's Aquatic Reserves program has new management that we will be working with in the coming year to help spread the word in our community about these unique reserves. Roberta Davenport is the new Aquatic Reserves Program Manager responsible for all seven reserves, which includes: Skagit County: Fidalgo Bay and Cypress Island, Whatcom County: Cherry Point, Island County/Whidbey Island: Smith & Minor Islands, King County: Maury Island, Jefferson/Clallam County borders: Protection Island, and Near Olympia: Nisqually Reach. You can download a larger copy of the reserves map below at DNR's website (click here).

These reserves are special places and each has a Citizen's Stewardship Committee that is working with DNR to protect these areas. Are you interested in getting involved with the Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve Committee? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll put you in touch with the right people. So next time you're out on the trail or driving by Fidalgo Bay you might look out with a new sense of wonder that we have such a unique and important marine treasure right here in our own backyard.

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