Advocacy

Birders are a force to be reckoned with.  From both sides of the political aisle, and of diverse backgrounds and experiences, people who watch and appreciate birds understand the complexity and interconnectedness of natural systems.  We have a powerful voice to protect habitat and advise decision-makers of environmental impacts of their choices.  Birders understand that small actions can have big impacts. Whidbey Audubon Society acts to harness this energy and focus it to create positive change.

The latest update on the possible new airport within 100 miles of Seattle.
Washington Aviation System Planning (WASP)

Phase 2 recommendations have been made by the Commission and are as follows (as of 11/29/2022):

Add capacity to Paine Field according to its Airport Master Plan (with potential for additional capacity), assume SEA executes its SAMP, assist other airports interested in pursuing regional commercial service (distributed air service supported by emerging technology)

Continue to develop a greenfield site option with a two (2) runway configuration. Pierce County Central, Pierce County East and Thurston County Central are the three greenfield sites remaining under consideration for a new airport, out of the 10 that were analyzed by the state's consultant.

Background information provided by Martha Jordan (9/15/2022):

In 2019, the state legislature created the Commercial Aviation Coordination Commission (CACC) to, among other things, come up with a recommended location for a new, large airport within 100 miles of Seattle. This assignment was based on the idea that commercial air traffic is rapidly growing, and more airport capacity is needed. As you may have already read, the CACC recently issued a list of 10 possible sites for a large new airport from which they will select one to recommend by June 15, 2023.

Two sites in Snohomish County and two sites in Skagit County (update: Skagit County sites were removed from consideration on September 23) are on the list of 10 possible airport locations. In addition, there are sites in King County near Enumclaw and more.  Check out this link to see the plan - https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-09/WASP-Screening-Process-Method-Results-30AUG22-FINAL.pdf

Main website for CACC:  Commercial Aviation Coordination Commission
https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/aviation/commercial-aviation-coordinating-commission

In Snohomish County, the Northwest site is west of the current Arlington Airport with the E-W center line on Hwy 531. The Southwest site is west of Monroe encompassing from about Hwy 522 circling north over SR2 and taking a huge chunk of farmland and wetlands. Both these areas are important waterfowl migration and wintering areas and quality farmland.

Please take a moment to comment to the CACC on any of the sites with which you are familiar (look at the Enumclaw area, for example). The recorded September 23rd public meeting was recorded and is available at the main website above. If you missed the other public meetings, you can also see them on their website.

The CACC aims to recommend a single preferred location for a new commercial service airport within 100 miles of Seattle, by June 15, 2023. They will narrow the remaining eight sites to two by October 15th. Please let the CACC know how you feel on this issue. We could lose important winter waterfowl habitats.

September 18, 2022 - https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/where-will-was-new-airport-be-enumclaw-plateau-residents-oppose-one-option/

Migratory Bird Treaty Act

The Good News: On October 4th, 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a final rule that restored the “incidental take” provisions of the MBTA, effective December 3rd, 2021. “Incidental take” is generally considered conduct that results in unintentional injury or death to migratory birds. This action “re-protected” migratory birds by revoking the January 7th, 2021, USFWS final rule that removed incidental take of migratory birds from the scope of the MBTA. The next steps in fortifying the MBTA’s ability to protect migratory birds are to codify an interpretation of the MBTA that prohibits incidental take and to develop an incidental take permitting process.

Below are some links of interest regarding the MBTA. Read about Audubon’s activities supporting the MBTA as a viable protection for migratory birds.

Links:
Audubon and the MBTA
USFWS MBTA Home Page
USFWS October 4, 2021, Final Rule on Regulations Governing Take of Migratory Birds

What We've Achieved

Ongoing Whidbey Audubon Society Achievements:

• Conducting a long-term research study of Pigeon Guillemot colonies in Puget Sound. Data now used by researchers studying health of the Sound (began 2003)

• Participating in numerous avian surveys

  • International Shorebird Survey (began 1997)

  • Coastal Observation and Seabird Study Teams

  • Puget Sound Seabird surveys through Seattle Audubon

  • Pacific Flyway (winter) Shorebird Survey (began 2013)

• Working with Whidbey Island Conservation District to provide information at annual plant sale and be a resource for WICD

• Providing “We can help” backyard consultations to advocate for bird-friendly landscaping and practices

• Implementing small grant program for habitat protection and enhancement on Whidbey Island

• Working in partnership with Whidbey Camano Land Trust as they inventory the avian species and habitats on their properties or properties they are working to preserve through grant applications

• Participating as a stakeholder in Oak Harbor Marina Restoration feasibility study

• Providing input to Island County regarding habitat-rich private lands asking for open space considerations. This is considered only at owner’s request and with board approval.

Past Whidbey Audubon Society Conservation Successes:

• Conducted a forest practices study: Multi-year review of forest practice permits in Island County to determine rates of conversion and size/locations of logging operations. Shared with county commissioners

• Donated funds to Whidbey Camano Land Trust to help preserve Trillium Community Forest, habitat protection

• Worked with Whidbey Camano Land Trust on steering committee that developed the Trillium Management Plan (2011-2012)

• Worked on Technical Advisory Group for Island County update of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas section of Critical Areas Ordinance (2012-2014)

• Provided input on Island County’s update of the Parks and Recreation Element of the County’s Comprehensive Plan (2011)

• Granted funds for administration expenses to Whidbey-Camano Land Trust to assist in acquisition of the Borgman Farm property outside of Oak Harbor, habitat protection

• Participation and advocacy for habitat protection in Island County Master Shoreline Program updates and revisions

• Identified Washington State Important Bird Areas on Whidbey for National Audubon

• Participation in stewardship committee for Smith and Minor Islands Aquatic Reserve

• Worked with county on the initial protection of Deer Lagoon and now on public access to Deer Lagoon

• Provided vent stack screens in the state parks to prevent bird entrapment. All known vent stacks are now bird-proof.

• Worked with Port District regarding best mowing practices for Greenbank Farm

• Supported state initiative on reducing carbon

• Helped get derelict boat removal legislation and assisted with monitoring for oil spills during derelict vessel removal from Penn Cove

• Participated in Conservation Futures Fund technical advisory group and helped secure additions to South Whidbey State Park and Deception Pass State Park and secured property at Crockett Lake and Swan Lake as well as other projects that secured open space

• Assisted and promoted the National Wildlife Program for Certified Backyard Habitat

• Partnered with The Nature Conservancy to designate the Hoypus Point area of Deception Pass State Park as a Natural Forest Area. This protects the second largest block of old growth forest left in the Puget Sound area lowlands from being developed as a campground or other facilities

Ongoing Education Achievements

• Providing a Birds of Whidbey Class for older teens and adults

• Providing classes in local schools

• Developing, maintaining and continuing to expand our Bird Specimen Library, a museum-quality collection of over 500 preserved bird specimens representing local species and permitted for educational use by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services

• Presenting the Bird in the Hand Festival to over 500 people every other year

• Participating in local events with displays and educational materials

• Providing scholarships to local high school seniors

• Developing and providing educational panels about birds at Greenbank Farm

To know more about local Island County environmental issues:

• Check the Island County website for Commissioner and Planning Commission meetings, agendas, and minutes.

  • Island County Board of County Commissioners

  • Island County Planning Commission

• Read the local papers.

• Check out Drew’s List. 

• Join social media interest groups, and watch for  posters at the library, post office and supermarket . 

To learn about current national environmental issues and how to register your opinion:

National Audubon Advocacy

To explore state environmental issues and learn how to get involved:

Audubon Washington State

You can also call your Washington state legislators directly with your concerns and let them know how you feel about issues:  WA Legislative Hot Line 800-562-6000, Monday-Friday  8 a.m.- 7 p.m., or email simply by referencing a bill's number Washington State Legislature Bill Information   If you call the number above, you will be told who your legislators are and your message will be passed to them.   Direct action is more powerful than signing on to a canned petition.  Do both!

Banner Photo: Carlos Andersen