March 6, 2009 | Edition 2

In this issue:

Public invited to special preview of PBS ‘Frontline’ documentary on Puget Sound to be broadcast nationwide

The Puget Sound Partnership and KCTS 9 are pleased to present an evening with Emmy Award-winning producer Hedrick Smith next month as he shares highlights from his new documentary, “FRONTLINE: Poisoned Waters.”

  • WHEN: Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
  • WHERE: Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Ave. (at Seneca), Seattle

Enrique Cerna, host of “KCTS Connects,” will moderate a live interview with Smith. Other special guests include Gov. Chris Gregoire and Bill Ruckelshaus.

The event is free, but will-call tickets are required. They can be obtained through Brown Paper Tickets at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/59019 or by calling 800.838.3006.

“FRONTLINE: Poisoned Water” airs in its entirety nationwide on KCTS 9 at 9 p.m. April 21. www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/

Update on 2009 legislative session

Last week marked the session’s first deadline, in which bills must be passed out of their respective House and Senate policy committees to remain “alive.” This is only one of many legislative hurdles.

The good news: Several bills in line with strategies outlined in the Action Agenda survived this cutoff, including legislation that would:

  • Promote Puget Sound scientific research;
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions;
  • Reduce stormwater pollution;
  • Provide an emergency response tug for the Strait of Juan de Fuca; and
  • Reduce phosphorus loading in Lake Whatcom.

We will continue to keep you informed of how our policy and budget priorities fare throughout the session, which is scheduled to adjourn April 26. If you know of a legislative or budget issue that will support local governments, agencies, tribes and partner organizations in implementing the Action Agenda, please contact Public Affairs Director Michael Grayum at 360.725.5439 or michael.grayum@psp.wa.gov.

ECO Network announces ‘Coordination Days’ throughout the Sound

The Partnership’s ECO Network of Puget Sound education, communication and outreach providers has begun holding local networking events throughout the Sound.

Coordination Days will establish ongoing local education, communication and outreach networks in 12 areas around the Sound. Each of these local network groups will:

  • Identify mutual goals and priorities outlined in the Action Agenda;
  • Develop strategies to move these goals and priorities forward;
  • Familiarize Partnership staff with education and outreach programs in each Puget Sound county; and
  • Provide communication between the broad ECO Network and smaller local networks.

These two-day sessions kicked off March 1 and wrap up June 30. For more details about Coordination Days, visit www.psp.wa.gov/ecodays.php

Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Conference a success

A record number of more than 1,000 attendees turned out for this year’s Puget Sound Georgia Basin Ecosystem Conference – co-hosted last month in Seattle by the Partnership and Environment Canada.

The forum, one of North America’s premier environmental science events, drew scientists, policymakers, community leaders and academics who exchanged the latest science, knowledge and insights into efforts to conserve and protect one of the most ecologically rich transboundary ecosystems in the world.

Video highlights of the conference are available online. If you were unable to attend, or did attend but would like to see some of the sessions again, visit www.psp.wa.gov/videos/mediaplayer/video_library_psgb.php

Thanks to all who helped make this year’s conference a success!

King County seeking feedback on stormwater management

Stormwater has been identified as a significant contributor to reduced water quality in Puget Sound. As part of its ongoing commitment to protect public health and improve Puget Sound waterways, King County is seeking feedback on local stormwater management practices and planned updates to the county’s stormwater management program.

One of three public meetings scheduled to discuss a draft of the new program still remains:

  • Redmond, March 9: 6 to 8 p.m., Redmond City Hall, Council Chambers, 15670 N.E. 85th St.

For more information and to review the draft program, visit the King County Stormwater Management Web site at www.kingcounty.gov/environment/WLR/stormwaterprogram.aspx

Supplement to Action Agenda available for public review later this month

The Partnership is developing a supplement to the Action Agenda to meet guidelines of the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Estuary Program (NEP). This supplement will include clarifications required by the NEP program and will be available at www.psp.wa.gov for a 30-day public review beginning on or after March 20. Following the comment period, the supplement will be incorporated into a revised version of the Puget Sound Action Agenda.

Comments on the Action Agenda and supplement must be received by the 30th day after the posting of the supplement in April 2009, and may be mailed or e-mailed to the Partnership, or submitted online using our online form at www.psp.wa.gov. Comments submitted previously on the Action Agenda will be covered in a Responsiveness Summary that will be prepared after the close of this public comment period.

Join the Partnership on Facebook

As part of our ongoing effort to engage as many people as possible in this community-led effort to protect and restore the Sound, the Partnership has created a “fan page” on Facebook.

If you already have a Facebook account, we encourage you to become a fan. It’s an easy way to show your support for and receive the latest news about the Partnership.

Visit our Web site to learn about how the Partnership is utilizing a host of other social networking tools, including Twitter, Flickr, You Tube and Think MTV: www.psp.wa.gov

Thank you for working with us to protect and restore Puget Sound!

Please visit the Web site for more information. Comments and questions may be sent by replying to this e-mail or by contacting us directly at:

Puget Sound Partnership
P.O. Box 40900, Olympia, Washington 98504-0900
Toll-free: 800.54.SOUND
Phone: 360.725.5444
E-mail: actionagenda@psp.wa.gov

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