The grey tsunami, yes! Our commissioners are 83ish, days away from 75yo, and mid 60's. When asked, younger residents say "it's not my job!" If we don't find younger replacements, our answer is to sell out to Northwest Natural Water Services which is not acceptable.
I look forward to hearing more, John, about "issues with water rights and land use that are complex enough to earn a dedicated post at some point." I've been reflecting about how so much of Puget Sound and Salish Sea shorelines are occupied by mega-mansions (or tiny cabins for that matter) the owners might visit once or twice a year, importing groceries not locally purchased and friends and family who have no awareness of the local communities. As we've discussed, each residence has its own well and septic and driveways. I've made an appointment with a local non-profit habitat preservation group I've worked with for many years to place my own shoreline-adjacent acreage including shoreline to the low tide level as a wildlife habitat in perpetuity. My idea is to leave the house and property to house environmental activists like me who had to earn a living elsewhere. The group has acquired and protected many local shoreline and adjacent heritage forests in perpetuity, and I'd like to see more, and serve as a role model, in my dreams perhaps, to others to "donate" their shoreline properties.
I tried to connect with Jefferson Land Trust for years, and even served on the board in 2010-11, but they weren't interested then in South County where I live. And you had to have one-third the value of your property in cash to leave it to them, with no guarantee they'd not just turn around and sell it. The group I work with now is Northwest Watershed Institute. They started out reclaiming an immense watershed at the mouth of Dabob Bay and restored salmon streams, then moved on to protect shoreline and heritage forest around Dabob Bay. We're trying to acquire 240 acres here on Pulali Point - and maybe more - as DNR Natural Areas. So far this project has potentially saved 3,860 acres. Northwest Watershed Institute, under the co-direction of salmon biologist Peter Bahls, also uses the projects to educate kids and nurture future environmentalists. Now Jefferson Land Trust is acquiring nearby river properties along the Duckabush River and Hood Canal, as well as forests and farms, but for me now, the Dabob focus is making more sense for my effort and dreams.
John, there's much here. I will circle back when I have more internet. These days I find encouraging news (thinking about the gray tsunami) in the generations of Warren Wilson College students who study with epic professors of environmental education including the author/activist Mallory McDuff. Also the book that remains by my side throughout the aftermath of Hurricane Helene = What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (also here on this platform).
Thank you for writing A Gray Tsunami. Thank you for the accountability notation. I face a similar situation. I was buoyed to witness your openness. Be well. Katharine
The grey tsunami, yes! Our commissioners are 83ish, days away from 75yo, and mid 60's. When asked, younger residents say "it's not my job!" If we don't find younger replacements, our answer is to sell out to Northwest Natural Water Services which is not acceptable.
Thanks, Jaci. I think we need a PUD before it’s too late.
How do we form a PUD? Have you looked into that?
Working on it!
I look forward to hearing more, John, about "issues with water rights and land use that are complex enough to earn a dedicated post at some point." I've been reflecting about how so much of Puget Sound and Salish Sea shorelines are occupied by mega-mansions (or tiny cabins for that matter) the owners might visit once or twice a year, importing groceries not locally purchased and friends and family who have no awareness of the local communities. As we've discussed, each residence has its own well and septic and driveways. I've made an appointment with a local non-profit habitat preservation group I've worked with for many years to place my own shoreline-adjacent acreage including shoreline to the low tide level as a wildlife habitat in perpetuity. My idea is to leave the house and property to house environmental activists like me who had to earn a living elsewhere. The group has acquired and protected many local shoreline and adjacent heritage forests in perpetuity, and I'd like to see more, and serve as a role model, in my dreams perhaps, to others to "donate" their shoreline properties.
Your plan for your property sounds wonderful. Are you working with Jefferson Land Trust?
I tried to connect with Jefferson Land Trust for years, and even served on the board in 2010-11, but they weren't interested then in South County where I live. And you had to have one-third the value of your property in cash to leave it to them, with no guarantee they'd not just turn around and sell it. The group I work with now is Northwest Watershed Institute. They started out reclaiming an immense watershed at the mouth of Dabob Bay and restored salmon streams, then moved on to protect shoreline and heritage forest around Dabob Bay. We're trying to acquire 240 acres here on Pulali Point - and maybe more - as DNR Natural Areas. So far this project has potentially saved 3,860 acres. Northwest Watershed Institute, under the co-direction of salmon biologist Peter Bahls, also uses the projects to educate kids and nurture future environmentalists. Now Jefferson Land Trust is acquiring nearby river properties along the Duckabush River and Hood Canal, as well as forests and farms, but for me now, the Dabob focus is making more sense for my effort and dreams.
That sounds like a great way to go. Whidbey Camano Land Trust is the only game in town here, but do a good job.
John, another good read and one to which I can fully relate regarding the “gray tsunami”.
Thanks Chuck, yes, you're on crest of that wave!
John, there's much here. I will circle back when I have more internet. These days I find encouraging news (thinking about the gray tsunami) in the generations of Warren Wilson College students who study with epic professors of environmental education including the author/activist Mallory McDuff. Also the book that remains by my side throughout the aftermath of Hurricane Helene = What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (also here on this platform).
Thank you for writing A Gray Tsunami. Thank you for the accountability notation. I face a similar situation. I was buoyed to witness your openness. Be well. Katharine