| Minutes |
Meeting Minutes from Nov. 1, 2000 meeting
Monroe Landing Fire Hall—Oak Harbor, WA
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Revision 4~November 8, 2000
Present: Don Meehan—interim chair, Tom Campbell, Gary Wood, Tom Shaughnesy, Hi Bronson, Dick Toft, Jan Holmes, Matt Klope, Tom Roehl who arrived @ 5:15 p.m., Julie Buktenica, Joan Drinkwin, Bill White—public visitor, Dr. Jim Norris—guest speaker. MRC member Mike Gallion had an unexcused absence.
Guest Speaker Dr. James Norris—underwater videography of Island County Eelgrass
Don introduced Dr. James Norris, who spoke in depth and detail about mapping Island County’s eelgrass. Jim said the Dept. of Natural Resources wants his team to examine trends, sample the status of plant and animal life throughout the Puget Sound. The team also measures the Sound’s habitat, including temperature, turbidity, the measure of light reaching plants, by using an underwater video camera attached to a winch with a GPS antenna.
Jim said that samples of the Maxwelton area eelgrass were taken at
13 points. All of the species
found are introduced, not native eelgrass.
He said DNR is interested only in native species, and added that
native and introduced varieties do not compete with one another. Jan Holmes
asked why the group dropped the epiphyte survey and that it could provide
chemical clues as to the health or lack of health of the marine environment.
Jim told her there was not enough money and that it is too labor intensive. Dick Toft asked when Jim starts mapping again. Jim is hopeful
to begin Monday, Nov. 6. Tom
Roehl suggested focusing one study at the south end of Holmes Harbor where
the boat builders and Freeland Park are. Gary Wood, interested in what Jim
does, asked whether or not he needs any “button pushers” when out mapping
eelgrass during the next two weeks. Jim said if anyone wants to hook up
with him, phone him at 360-385-4486 (this phone apparently isn’t answered
very often) or the boat cell phone at 360-301-1580.
Grant status—SRFB (Salmon Recovery Funding Board) and MEHP (Marine Ecosystem Health Program) grant requests @ 5:30 p.m.
Gary said there were 4 applications for the SRFB grant and the Navy is No. 1 priority and Island County’s nearshore habitat request is No.2. Gary said that is a good sign and that SRFB is inclined to award grants for nearshore projects such as Island County’s MRC’s proposal to map eelgrass, forage fish and shoreline hardening. Gary is applying for another grant from UC Davis. He said if all grants are approved Island County MRC could get $300,000 worth of grants. MRC members gave Gary an “Atta’ Boy!” congratulations for his hard work. Tom Campbell got applause for his work in getting the Washington Flyfishing Club to send a letter of support on MRC’s behalf for the grants.
Joan brought her little boy Alejandro and said citizen comment is welcome for the Puget Sound Management Plan—Habitat/Wetlands Programs and The Stormwater Program amendments. Comment by Nov. 6. Phone number is 800-54-SOUND or website is www.wa.gov/puget_sound for comment. Don Meehan asked Joan if there was any extra money floating around and told her “We’d come knocking…”
Warm Beach Conference announcement
Don announced the Nov. 13 and 14 Warm Beach Conference in Stanwood
Don said he has three names to fill two vacancies on the MRC committee. Former members Mike Crotty, representing the commercial marine industry and Linda Sue Schoenharl, representing the agriculture sector, resigned in Sept. and Oct., respectively. Tom said one applicant has a glacier named for him; another is knowledgeable about the commercial marine and travel adventure industries; and the third candidate has cattle raising and fish processing plant experience. Don asked that all possible candidates’ names be submitted to him by Nov. 10.
Elect a chair @ 5:45 p.m.
Gary Wood moved to nominate Tom Campbell to act as Chair to replace Mike Gallion who resigned from that post last month. Tom Roehl seconded the motion. It carried unanimously to elect Tom C. as chair. Gary wood moved to nominate Tom Roehl as the committee’s vice chair. Tom Campbell seconded the motion. Carried unanimously.
Don announced that Jim Norris’s contract will be extended through April, 2001. That must be amended with the county.
Jan Holmes quickly gave a rundown on the eelgrass survey—13% of those mailed were returned; 522 responses entered so far; 12 miles were measured. Don M. was given kudos for his impressive Power Point presentation on eelgrass that included humorous graphics. Matt Klope will email Navy eelgrass results.
Public comments at 5:55 p.m. Bill White said his wife is getting better.
Elliott Menasche will speak Nov. 15 about alternatives to shoreline hardening. Many have been invited. Don will find out whether to host the event at Coupeville’s hearing room or at the regular location at Freeland’s Trinity Lutheran.
Tom Roehl moved and Matt Klope seconded approval of the 10/4/00 MRC meeting minutes. Carried by all. Kate was asked to list revisions on drafts so corrections are not confused in the future.
