Partnership leaders reflect on the power of collaboration
Cleaning-up Puget Sound protects the places we love to recreate, creates jobs, heals our economy, and provides the clean water fish and other seafood depend upon. We have spent generations building our communities and economies on a foundation of abundant nature. Now the natural systems and resources allowing us to prosper need our help.
The Chairs of each of the Partnership’s boards that infuse science, policy and leadership reported on the collective contributions of the many partners who designed and will implement the 2012 Action Agenda:
Martha Kongsgaard, Kongsgaard Foundation
Chair, Puget Sound Leadership Council
“Puget Sound is the cornerstone of the region’s quality of life and vibrant economy. This notion is at the heart of this first-in-class, updated Action Agenda, the region’s roadmap to recovery by 2020.”
David Troutt, Natural Resources Director for the Nisqually Tribe
Chair, Salmon Recovery Council
“We are all pulling together, and recognizing the connectedness of each stream, each tributary, and each action to the health of the whole Puget Sound region. The more we deepen our commitment to action, the closer we come to honoring the tribal tradition of focusing on the needs of future generations.”
Joe Gaydos, Chief Scientist of the SeaDoc Society
Chair, Puget Sound Partnership Science Panel
“Restoring a large and complex ecosystem is not easy. If it were, it would have already been done. Fortunately, the convergence of science and policy-making happening through the Partnership is the most promising path to cleanup Puget Sound. The Science Panel has helped to synthesize what we know about the ecosystem, identify areas where more research is needed and show how science can contribute to a successful team effort.”
Dave Somers, Snohomish County Council member
Chair, Ecosystem Coordination board
“Collaboration is truly the key. When tribes, businesses, scientists, conservation organizations, local governments and state and federal agencies work together, we accelerate our progress and leverage the value of each others’ work.”
Sam Anderson, Executive Officer, Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties
Vice Chair, Ecosystem Coordination Board
“Having a clean and healthy Puget Sound is a critical part of our region’s overall quality of life, and continued progress toward Sound recovery is vital as we work to accommodate our projected population growth and ensure economic prosperity throughout the region.”
Sen. Steve Litzow, R-Mercer Island, 41st Legislative District
Ecosystem Coordination Board
"Puget Sound's health is vital to Washington's economy as it is our area's greatest natural asset. We must continue investing to protect the thriving industries, abundant recreational opportunities, and quality of the ecosystem that depend on it. The national model of collaboration and more efficient use of resources is essential to sustaining momentum during this difficult economic period."
Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, 23rd Legislative District
Ecosystem Coordination Board
“This work requires patience, persistence, and a culture of cooperation and mutual respect. The Partnership is building that culture and making a big difference coordinating the success of Puget Sound restoration efforts.”
David Herrera, Fish and Wildlife Policy Representative Skokomish Tribe
Vice Chair, Ecosystem Coordination Board & Vice Chair, Puget Sound Salmon Recovery Council
“The recovery of Puget Sound is essential to the Tribes that have lived here for thousands of years. Our culture and way of life depend on healthy, abundant salmon runs and shellfish that are safe to eat. This new Action Agenda is an important document that says what we need to do to take care of our waters.”
Rep. Steve Tharinger, 24th legislative district (D-Dungeness)
Ecosystem Coordination Board
"Change doesn't happen in a vacuum. The 2012 Action Agenda combines science with regional coordination, local action, and accountability for results—which helps solve complex issues across geographical, political and ideological boundaries."