Friends Notes

Ecology wants public input on Port's cleanup of the Old Shell Tank Farm.

Download Fact sheet at https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/DocViewer.ashx?did=23952.

The Port of Anacortes and WA Dept. of Ecology have developed cleanup planning documents related to the Old Shell Tank Farm located between 13th and 14th Street on Q Avenue (behind McDonald's).  The Port of Anacortes is also inviting comments on their State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Checklist and Determination of Non-Significance for this project.

Click links for the Port's SEPA Checklist and Determination of Non-significance

• Consent Decree https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/DocViewer.ashx?did=23948

• Remedial Investigation & Feasibility Study https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/DocViewer.ashx?did=20208

• Cleanup Action Plan https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/DocViewer.ashx?did=23949

• and Public Participation Plan https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/gsp/DocViewer.ashx?did=23969

You can find these documents online or at the Anacortes Public Library (ask Reference Desk for help). 

Submit comments by January 8, 2014 to Ecology by mail or email.  Mail them to site manager Nick Acklam, Department of Ecology, Toxics Cleanup Program, P.O. Box 47600, Olympia, WA 98504-7600 or email them to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Ecology is planning a presentation on this project in mid-January at Anacortes City Hall that will be announced in news media and posted on the Friends calendar.  If you'd like to receive notice of this and other news, signup to receive our newsletter (right column). 

Contact:
Nicholas Acklam, WA Dept. of Ecology
Site Manager
(360) 407-6913

Notice from Don McMoran, WSU Skagit County Extension Director.  WSU has posted a position to hire a coordinator for the Skagit County Beach Watcher program.  For more information read the posting below.  Please forward to any individuals you think might be interested in applying for this position. 

Position Description:

Beach Watchers Extension Coordinator, Skagit County Extension in Burlington WA, temp, FT, Admin Professional position.  Responsible for developing curriculum and conducting training on marine, intertidal, nearshore and terrestrial ecology.  Lead and supervise the development, implementation, and annual evaluation of the Beach Watcher marine stewardship education volunteer programs.  Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, or related field and two year progressively responsible administrative/program support work including experience with community volunteer programs or any combination of relevant education and experience.  To apply visit: http://www.wsujobs.com. Screening will begin July 22, 2013.  A position description can be accessed at: http://ext.wsu.edu/careers/ap/. WSU is an EO/AA/ADA educator and employer.

Trail Tales Docents will lead an interpretive tour via bicycles to visit a number of the Anacortes shoreline sites that are being cleaned up by the WA Department of Ecology. Join us to learn about the history of the sites going back to the 1890s and what's happening there today.

When: Saturday September 29th at 10AM to ~11:30AM

Starting Point: Meet at the Anacortes Farmer's Market at the Depot in front of the Snag Boat Museum.

Where we'll go - out to March Point along the Tommy Thompson Trail

In case of heavy rain or winds, we will reschedule for another date.

Do you know what this is? You'll find out on our ride.

Friends of Skagit Beaches, under funding from the Washington Department of Ecology’s Public Participation Grant program, is developing a new shoreline interpretive program in Anacortes along the shoreline of Fidalgo Bay. The project, called Trail Tales, will focus initially on the Tommy Thompson Trail and later expand to the shoreline of Guemes Channel. The goal of the project is to combine an opportunity to explore and learn more about our local history, marine and shoreline ecosystems, local watersheds and Ecology's Anacortes Baywide Cleanup Project. Ecology is partnering with the Port of Anacortes, Samish Indian Nation, and local landowners to cleanup a legacy of industrial pollution left behind by a century of lumber and wood processing industries.

The program will combine recreation and education providing an opportunity to learn while enjoying the natural beauty of our local shoreline. The statement below summarizes the interpretive theme for the project and sets the tone for developing educational materials and activities for the project. Trail Tales leads us on a journey to discover Fidalgo Bay’s natural beauty and its diverse ecology and history, while calling us to restore and protect it for future generations.

The project will be developing shoreline interpretive signs, training interpretive guides , designing a supporting website, hosting special educational presentations and events, and working with local schools and the arts community to engage the public in learning more about the our local history and environment and what role we play in the big picture. Friends is working with the WSU Skagit County Beach Watcher program to offer summer interpretive hikes and other outreach events throughout the year. In addition, the WWU Shannon Point Marine Center will be developing a Fidalgo Watershed class for all 8th grade students at the Anacortes Middle School. How can you get involved?

Sign up for our newsletter and “like” us on Facebook and you’ll receive announcements about what we’re doing and upcoming activities. Starting in June 2012, we’ll be rolling out interpretive programs open to the local community and visitors to the area. This will include interpretive hikes and special events that will be advertised via our website calendar, emails, Facebook page and in the Anacortes Parks & Recreation Summer Menu - and don’t forget to check the Anacortes American’s Community Calendar.

We’re excited about our kickoff event coming up June 9th, the first annual Fidalgo Shoreline Academy, a one-day symposium of presentations and interpretive hikes at the Fidalgo Bay Resort. To learn more, check out the agenda and register to attend at http://fidalgoacademy.eventbrite.com/.

See you on the trail!