Monday, December 1, 2008

Puget Sound has a new plan for restoring it to health

On December 1st the Leadership Council of the Puget Sound Partnership formally adopted the Action Plan to clean up the Sound by the year 2020. Surfrider Foundation activists and staff have been following the development of the Agenda and offering input along the way. South Sound Chapter Chair, Mike Webb, testified twice before the Leadership Council. In addition, countless members and activists submitted comments. THANK YOU FOR YOUR EFFORTS. They had an impact.

Our message has been that this new initiative to save Puget Sound needs to be much bolder than those in the past. In particular, we emphasized that the Puget Sound Partnership must prioritize opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with the waters of Puget Sound. Whether people experience the Sound from the marine waters, the shoreline, or up in the watershed, exploring and learning about the rich ecosystem that spans from the crest of the Cascades to the Straits of Juan de Fuca is one of the best strategies for conservation. Our connection to Puget Sound is what drives us to understand and care about this resource. Our connection is what inspires us to steward this resource for our neighbors and our grandchildren.

The Puget Sound Action Agenda is a bold new plan to save the Sound. It is also ambitious. And if it is going to be successful, it is going to take the actions of all us who live and recreate here. I encourage you to visit the Partnership’s website and watch the Action Agenda video: http://www.psp.wa.gov/aa_action_agenda.php .

Jody