Researcher speaks on Puget Sound Circulation and Nearshore Restoration
February 5, 7-8pm
322 N. Commercial Street
The Whatcom County Marine Resources Committee will host a presentation on a Puget Sound computer model that could assist with nearshore and estuary restoration in Whatcom County. The event is free and open to the general public.
The speaker is Dr. Tarang Khangaonkar, a researcher who leads the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s coastal and watershed computer modeling groups. He will present on one of his current projects, a high-resolution circulation model of Puget Sound that has been developed specifically to help improve restoration projects in estuaries and nearshore areas. The model integrates flooding, water quality, fish passage, tidal exchange, sediment movement, and other issues, providing a better understanding of what might happen if a given restoration project takes place. The presentation will include an overview of the model, as well as examples of restoration projects where the model has been used.
Dr. Khangaonkar has 18 years of experience with models focusing on coastal circulation patterns, the movement of toxics and other pollutants in water bodies, and related topics.
For more information, contact Bert Rubash, Marine Resources Committee, at 360-733-5640, or Whatcom County Public Works at 360-676-6876.
Evening Beach Walk at Semiahmoo Park
Friday, February 6, 2009
7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Free, donations appreciated
Enjoy an exciting opportunity to scout out the rich night life of our shoreline Friday, February 6th from 7:00 - 9:00pm at Whatcom County’s Semiahmoo Park near Blaine. Guided by Beach Naturalists, biologists and other creature experts, the group will wander among the magical sands and pools of Semiahmoo, sharing stories about the seashore wonders.
The low tides of winter nights offer a wonderful opportunity to witness many creatures that would otherwise "run" and hide from predators or the drying sun of summer. Big surprises often reveal themselves at night, as unsuspecting sunflower stars, crabs and other creatures may lurk in darkness above the receding tide.
Volunteer Beach Naturalists from RE Sources will prowl the shore, flashlights in hand, to help seek, discover and observe the shore's denizens of the night, while imparting tips in beach exploration etiquette and conservation. Afterwards, enjoy warm beverages, chat by a campfire and hear more stories told of this historical area by David Bean of Whatcom County Parks.
“Whether we’re gazing at shrimp in moonlit pools or huddling up with our headlamps focused on a moonglow anemone, the experience is sure to be memorable,” said Doug Stark, coordinator of RE Sources’ Beach Naturalist program.
Whatever the weather, adventurers should come prepared with flashlights, rubber boots, and layers upon more thick layers of warm clothing. Although the walk to the beach is short, rocks can be wet and slippery so the event is recommended for sure-footed adults and children
accompanied by adults.
More information, along with photos of warmly dressed adventurers can be found on the Beach Naturalist web page at www.re-sources.org or contact Doug Stark at dougs@re-sources.org , 733-8307.
The Beach Naturalist Program is made possible by volunteers and the North Sound Baykeeper, a project of RE Sources for Sustainable Communities, collaborating at Semiahmoo with WSU Beach Watchers volunteers and Whatcom County Parks and Recreation. Additional support for this event has been provided by MudUp, who encourages all of us to get muddy for a cleaner and healthier Puget Sound (www.mudup.org).
Sound Waters 2009
February 7, 8:30 am to 4 pm
Coupeville High School, S. Main Street Coupeville
Sound Waters, held each year on the first Saturday in February, provides a "one day university for all", to help the public learn about a wide variety of topics related to the appreciation and stewardship of our environment and marine resources. Year after year, it is the largest public gathering held in Island County for marine, nearshore, and environmental education.
This year our keynote speaker will be Dr. Mary Ruckelshaus, of NOAA Fisheries, who will speak on "A Sound Future".
To learn more, point your browser to http://beachwatchers.wsu.edu/soundwaters/
The Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment Conference
Evaluating Washington's Future in a Changing Climate
February 12, 2009
9:00am -5:00pm
The Washington State Convention Center, Seattle
In July 2007, the University of Washington's Climate Impacts Group (CIG), in partnership with Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, launched an unprecedented assessment of climate change impacts on Washington State. Funded by the Washington State legislature, the Washington Climate Change Impacts Assessment (WACCIA) evaluated the impacts of climate change on eight sectors: agriculture, coasts, energy, forests, human health, salmon, urban stormwater infrastructure, and water supply. Options for adapting to climate change within each of these sectors were also considered.
A one-day conference on the results of the Washington assessment will be held on February 12, 2009 at the Washington State Convention Center. The conference will provide an opportunity to learn more about the results of the assessment and to discuss implications for Washington's communities and ecosystems. Updates on global climate change science, resources for building adaptive capacity for climate change, and state-level actions to address climate change will also be discussed.
Who Should Attend
The WACCIA Conference is open to the public. The following individuals are particularly encouraged to attend:
• Resource managers
• Policymakers
• Business leaders
• Non-profit organizations
• Tribal governments
• Researchers
• Students, and
• Concerned citizens
Registration is now open. The registration fee for the conference is $100 until January 22, 2009. Late registration ($135) is January 23-February 6, 2009. No registrations will be accepted after February 6, 2009. A limited number of reduced registrations ($75) are also available for eligible participants.
Questions?
Please email or call Lara Whitely Binder (lwb123@u.washington.edu, 206-616-5349) with any questions.
Nooksack Recovery Team Salmon Summit
21st Century Economics: The Value of Our Salmon
March 12th 8:30am-3:30pm
St. Luke's Community Health Education Center, 3333 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham
For more information contact Lindsay Taylor: LTaylor AT n-sea.org
For registration details visit the NSEA website
Stories from the Sea
February 25, Wednesday 6-8 pm
Blaine Public Library
610 3rd Street, Blaine
Join your fellow Beach Watchers for this fascinating evening:
Listening to Orcas
Professor Val Veirs, Beam Reach Marine Science School and President of the Whale Museum and Todd Schuster, Captain of the Gato Verde will take us into the world of orca communication.
The Synthetic Sea
Sonia Hurt, Beach Watcher volunteer, presents the documentary that explores plastic debris’ harmful effects on our marine life.
Shipyard
Starts Saturday, Feb 28
73 minutes • 2008 • USA • In English • Unrated
Director Todd Warger and Guests @ The Pickford!
Wooden Ships & Fiberglass Boats: A. W. Talbot and the Bellingham Shipyards 1941–1963 The story of Seattle entrepreneur Archibald W. Talbot, a man with no knowledge of boats, or ship construction, yet who built the largest privately owned shipyard in the nation. He was a man of great integrity, much beloved by his employees, invocating the best principals of American ideals during his era.
The Bellingham Shipyards was a prime example of the hundreds of small community shipyards born out of the turbulent years of the Second World War, and the progressive period during the Korean Conflict, constructing wooden support vessels for the navy. Lasting only a few years, only a handful of these yards lasted long enough to have a comprehensive history documenting their heroic deeds, but were instrumental in the growth and prosperity of our nation. The film also examines the pioneering of the Bell Boy Boat Company started by Talbot in 1952, making Bellingham the first to bring a line of plastic fiberglass boats to the nation, changing the boating world forever!
This is the untold story of one of those small yards, located in a small, unknown community, lead by an unknown individual. Over fifty years since, the story is told by family members and former employees; the oldest living congressman of the World War II era; a pioneer in the fiberglass boat industry; the president of the largest shipyard in the United States; and one of the decade’s most controversial political authors. They all share their love and devotion to a single individual and their passion for a fading art.
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