Tribe closes Lake Quinault to non-tribal fishing–KOMO News

Posted on April 18, 2013 by Al B.

The Quinault Indian Nation is closing Lake Quinault on the Olympic Peninsula to non-tribal fishing until further notice. President Fawn Sharp said Tuesday the emergency measure is aimed at protecting water quality in the tribe-owned lake. She said tribal leaders are concerned leaky septic tanks owned by non-tribal residents in the area may have caused untreated sewage to get into the lake. The tribe has detected pollution in some areas of the lake and plans to conduct more water quality tests. http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Tribe-closes-Lake-Quinault-to-non-tribal-fishing-203306121.html

Filed under: Lake Quinault, Quinault | Leave a Comment »

Couple sell Dabob Bay property to protect it from development – PDN

Posted on March 1, 2013 by Al B.

Nature photographer Keith Lazelle and his wife and artist agent, Jane Hall, have set up long-term protection from development for their 18 acres of shoreline property on Jefferson County’s Dabob Bay. Read the whole story at the PDN. Support local journalism. Subscribe to the PDN.

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130301/NEWS/303019980/couple-sell-dabob-bay-property-to-protect-it-from-development

Filed under: Around the Sound, Hood Canal, Jefferson County, People | Leave a Comment »

Native leaders plan declaration banning pipelines, tankers and oilsands–Vancover Sun

Posted on December 12, 2012 by Al B.

Well, this is an interesting turn of events. Canadian native leaders decide that if the Federal Government won’t protect the waters, they will. Wonder if our tribes will follow suit.

First nations leaders are expected to sign a declaration of indigenous law banning pipelines, tankers and oilsands in British Columbia at a Vancouver press conference tomorrow. The Save the Fraser Declaration, signed by 130 first nations will be presented by National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Shawn Atleo on behalf of the Yinka Dene Alliance, several B.C. groups who have banned the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline from their territories. Mayor Gregor Robertson is also expected to attend and read a proclamation from the City of Vancouver. Mike Hager and Dene Moore report. B.C.

First Nations Ban Pipelines, Tankers and Oilsands

Filed under: Canada, First Nations | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

Billy Frank Jr. speaks on “Treaty Rights At Risk” at the NW Straits Annual Meeting

Posted on November 6, 2012 by Al B.

A moving speech, from one of the leading voices in North American tribal landscape.  Billy Frank Jr. has been there in the midst of the treaty rights battles since the late 50s, when he started demanding his treaty rights to fish next to his house on the Nisqually River. That solitary act eventually led to the Boldt Decision, the ruling that legally interpreted the tribal fishing rights and altered the landscape of the Pacific Northwest fishing industry permanently.

You can listen to the speech on your computer directly from the button above,  or download it to your smart phone, or MP3 music player.

Today, at 81, Billy Frank Jr. is still in the thick of things. Billy  is a member of the Nisqually Tribe in Washington State, along with being the Chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. He writes for numerous publications and does a number of speaking engagements.  He has a personal  blog at http://billyfrankjr.wordpress.com/

Mr. Frank has been the recipient of numerous recognition awards, including the 1991 Albert Schweitzer Prize for Humanitarianism and 2004 Indian Country Today Inaugural American Visionary Award

If you have never heard Mr. Frank speak, or if you do not have a good understanding of what drives the Tribes demands for their treaty rights, this is a must listen recording. In it, he clarifies the history behind the struggle for treaty rights and legal interpretation of them, and the personal battles that he has endured to attain them. He also talks directly to the group of Marine Resource Committee members that were attending this meeting, many of the volunteers, all working to protect Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Washington Pacific Coast.

More audio and eventually video presentations of the conference will be found at the 2012 Northwest Straits Marine Resource Committee Web site

http://www.nwstraits.org/Whats-New/Meetings-Events/2012-MRC-Conference.aspx

 

 

 

 

Filed under: Around the Sound, First Nations, fisheries, Government, Puget Sound Partnership | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

First Stewards Send Climate Change Resolution to Congress, President Obama

Posted on September 3, 2012 by Al B.

NW Tribes and those from Alaska, went to Washington D.C. in June to press for help in solving global warming issues. Here’s their resolution to Congress and the President.

Climate change is occurring rapidly, creating an urgent need for the world to make use of indigenous ways of adapting and maintaining the resiliency that has served ancient coastal cultures for thousands of years.

First Stewards Send Resolution to Congress, President Obama.

Filed under: Around the Sound, Climate Change, First Nations, Government | Tagged: , | Leave a Comment »

The Northwest’s Salmon People Face a Future Without Fish–Earthfix

Posted on August 10, 2012 by Al B.

For Northwest tribes, fishing for salmon is more than a food source, it’s a way of life. Five populations of Pacific salmon are already on the brink of extinction and changes in the climate stand to make matters worse. Katie Campbell reports. http://earthfix.opb.org/communities/article/salmon-climate-change-video-environment/

Filed under: Around the Sound, First Nations, People | Leave a Comment »

PBS Newshour features the issue of Climate Change for NW Coast Tribes & Interview with Billy Frank, Jr.

Posted on July 20, 2012 by Al B.

Newshour featured an interview with Billy Frank Jr., and a discussion of the issues raised by the Climate Change meeting in Washington D.C. that was sponsored by our coastal tribes, raising awareness of the issues we all face as the earth warms due to our use of fossil fuels.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/climate-change/july-dec12/swinomish_07-18.html

Filed under: Climate Change, First Nations, Nisqually, People, Quileute, Quinault | Tagged: | Leave a Comment »

‘Twilight’s’ Quileute Tribe Fights to Regain Land–PBS

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Al B.

A story of global warming, and its effects on one group here on our peninsula. Moving to higher ground is happening, now. Planning for the rest of the Peninsula coastal towns should not be put off any longer.

http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/science/july-dec12/quileute_07-05.html

Filed under: Climate Change, Olympic Peninsula, Quileute | Leave a Comment »

Longtime Treaty Rights Warrior, Guy McMinds, Passes – NWIFC

Posted on July 16, 2012 by Al B.

Our sympathies to the large extended family and friends, of Guy McMinds. Guy was a leader in the changes that established Treaty rights again. Another of that crucial generation that fought so hard against enormous odds and power, passes. You don’t replace people like Guy McMinds. You only create many shoes out of his, and hope there are enough people with the skills to fill them.

http://nwifc.org/2012/07/long-time-treaty-rights-warrior-guy-mcminds-passes/

Filed under: Olympic Peninsula, Quinault | Leave a Comment »

Land Based Aquaculture Experiment Unfolding in BC – Globe and Mail

Posted on July 9, 2012 by Al B.

While our County Commissioners continue a stand off with the State Department of Ecology over permitting (or not) fish farms in the county shoreline master program, there is a Canadian “First Nation” experiment happening to see if fish can be farmed economically on land, as our commissioners are requesting. The Namgis Tribe will be funding this, and I would assume our State should take a hard look at whether this works or not.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/first-nation-has-high-hopes-for-fish-farm/article4397084/

Filed under: Aquaculture, Canada, First Nations | Leave a Comment »

Restoration Grants Coordinator Job for Nooksack Tribe

Posted on March 2, 2012 by Al B.

Job Title: Restoration Grants Coordinator

Department: Natural Resources

Reports To: Habitat Program Manager

Type: Full Time

Position Opens: 2-22-12 Position Closes: 3-7-12

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing the diverse array of grants that support the Tribe’s watershed restoration program. Job duties include: (1) grant proposal writing; (2) grant management, including budget oversight, project management and reporting; (3) preparation of permit applications and working with permitting agencies to secure permits, and (4) preparing and overseeing contracts. This position will work in partnership with the Department’s Watershed Restoration Coordinators to ensure successful and timely implementation of restoration projects.

MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIESConfused smile

See job description link below.

For the full job description, including education and experience requirements, please visit http://nooksackindiantribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Restoration-Grant-Coordinator1.pdf. 

To apply: Obtain an employment application at http://nooksackindiantribe.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Application-for-Employment.pdf. Mail application, and resume to 5016 Deming Road, Deming, WA 98244 or fax to 360-592- 2125. Application materials must be received in Human Resources no later than 5:00 pm on the closing date to be considered for this position.

Filed under: Around the Sound, First Nations, Hood Canal, Jobs, Nooksack, People | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Billie Frank Jr. on State Wildlife Fund

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Al B.

Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission chair Billy Frank Jr. argues that Governor Gregoire’s proposal for a one-time tranfer of 1.5 million from the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s wildlife fund to protect salmon production at several hatcheries makes sense because hatcheries provide salmon for tribal, commercial and sport fisheries.

Salmon are for everyone

http://www.auburn-reporter.com/opinion/136619728.html

Filed under: First Nations, Government | Leave a Comment »

What’s good for Orca is good for fishermen – Billy Frank

Posted on April 7, 2011 by Al B.

A great opinion piece by Billy Frank Jr. the chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. He makes some excellent points. Read the whole piece, it’s pretty short.

Tribes and orcas have a lot in common. Together, we have always depended on the salmon for food.

The last 100 years have been hard on the tribes, the orcas and the salmon. Habitat loss and damage has pushed some salmon populations to the edge of extinction, threatening the orcas, tribal cultures and our treaty rights.

But instead of looking at the main causes for a weak local population of orcas, the federal government is asking us yet again to reconsider how we fish. We just spent several years working with our salmon co-managers to develop a five-year plan to manage our Puget Sound chinook fisheries in light of the recovery needs for fish listed under the federal Endangered Species Act.

Now, a half-step away from final approval, the federal government is asking us to go back to the drawing board and quickly produce a new two-year harvest plan that addresses how our fisheries might affect orca populations.

The rest of the story is at
http://nwifc.org/2011/04/whats-good-for-orca-is-good-for-fishermen/

Filed under: Around the Sound, First Nations | Tagged: , , , | Leave a Comment »

Retiree ‘matriarch’ of North Olympic Peninsula environmental community

Posted on November 28, 2010 by Al B.

Editor note: If you are a recent resident to the Olympic Peninsula, you should read this whole article to better understand the history of the last 25 years on this place. The hard fought battles for Protection Island by Eleanor Stopps, and the ones discussed in this article about Dr. Eloise Kailin are history that is rarely available on the Internet. Enjoy.

*11/28/10 Peninsula Daily News

Retiree ‘matriarch’ of North Olympic Peninsula environmental community

By Jeff Chew
Peninsula Daily News

SEQUIM — Dr. Eloise Kailin helped fight against a nuclear power plant on the Miller Peninsula east of Sequim — and won.

That was in 1973 and led to the formation of the nonprofit Protect the Peninsula’s Future, the North Olympic Peninsula’s longest-standing environmental group.

Today, the group tackles issues affecting health, wildlife habitat and quality of life in the region, while Kailin remains active in environmental battles while sharing a 4-acre farm off River Road with her son, Harvey, where the two have built a commercial kitchen to produce apple butter.

Bob Lynette, a retired conservation lobbyist and renewable energy consultant who has worked with Kailin on the PPF board for 12 years, sees the 91-year-old retired physician as the original driving force behind Peninsula environmental activism.

Read the whole story at: http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20101128/news/311289983/retiree-matriarch-of-north-olympic-peninsula-environmental-community

Filed under: Clallam County, Jefferson County, People, Straits of Juan de Fuca | Tagged: , | 1 Comment »

Being Frank: Harvest Held to a Higher Standard – From the NW Indian Fisheries Commission

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Al B.

Interesting editorial…worth clicking through to read more on the Tribe’s perspective….

Posted: 02 Nov 2010 11:18 AM PDT

It wasn’t long ago that all salmon returning to western Washington were lumped together and managed as a whole. Only after the treaty tribes became co-managers in the 1970s did salmon management begin on a river-by-river basis using hard, accurate data.

Every single year since then we’ve been refining our fisheries management approach. Our goal is to return all salmon stocks to sustainable harvest levels because we believe that is the true measuring stick for salmon recovery.

I wonder what it would be like if habitat protection were managed to the same standard?

The state co-managers joined some tribes, such as Muckleshoot, Nisqually and Puyallup, in closing coho fisheries this fall because returns were too low to support harvest.

No one suggested that we also tear out the river’s dikes or fix the other habitat problems that are the root cause of the low runs. We stop fishing, but habitat loss and damage goes on every hour of every day.

Why are fishermen always the first – and often only – people asked to sacrifice for the resource? Why must fishermen feel the pain for everyone else?

Ten years after salmon stocks in western Washington were first listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, we still have no good way to assess how much habitat we have, how much we’re losing and how much we need. We must work harder to fill the gaping holes in what we know about habitat productivity.

We have developed a tool to track the limiting factors to salmon recovery, identify how they can be addressed and determine actions needed to move forward with habitat restoration and protection. This kind of work, at the watershed level, has been promised for years by governments, agencies and others involved in salmon recovery, but it is the treaty tribes who are taking on the job. We’re finishing analyses of the Skokomish and Snohomish watersheds right now, and will complete analyses for every watershed in western Washington over the next year.

For 30 years we have been refining salmon fisheries management to achieve salmon recovery, but it isn’t working. What we need to do is to change how we manage the landscape that these fish depend on.

The only way we’re going to turn the corner and really restore salmon is to put the same focus on habitat protection and restoration that has been placed on harvest management. Salmon recovery begins and ends with good habitat. Without a good home to return to, no amount of fisheries restrictions will restore this precious resource.

Billy Frank Jr. is the chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.

See the NW Indian Fisheries Commission

http://www.nwifc.org

 

Filed under: First Nations | Leave a Comment »

Off Topic – Pete Seeger’s Sunday Morning

Posted on October 10, 2010 by Al B.

The NY Times had a nice short piece on their “Sunday Routine” last week of the grand old man of music and the environment, Pete Seeger. Enjoy this 5 minute read.

RISE AND SHINE Almost any day, I tend to wake up around 7:30, 8 at the latest, and reluctantly think of all the things I’m supposed to do instead of lounging in bed, which theoretically I should be allowed to do. It’s almost a bad joke in my family that Sundays tend to be the busiest day of the week. There’s letters to answer and logs to split.

Read the rest at:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/03/nyregion/03routine.html?scp=2&sq=pete%20seeger&st=cse

Keep journalism alive…subscribe to your local newspaper…

Filed under: People | Leave a Comment »

Life on the Edge: Micah McCarty and the People of the Cape – KPLU

Posted on August 25, 2010 by Al B.

8/25 KPLU-FM
Life on the Edge: Micah McCarty and the People of the Cape
Liam Moriarty

At the western edge of the Salish Sea sits Cape Flattery, where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. Nearby is Neah Bay, the traditional home of the Makah Indian tribe, who call themselves the People of the Cape. This week in our series “Reflections on the Water,” KPLU environment reporter Liam Moriarty goes to Neah Bay to speak with tribal council member Mikah McCarty.

More at
http://salishreflections.wordpress.com/2010/08/25/life-on-the-edge-micah-mccarty-and-the-people-of-the-cape/

Filed under: Cape Flattery, Clallam County, First Nations, Neah Bay, Olympic Peninsula, People | Leave a Comment »

Ruckelshaus steps down from Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council

Posted on July 30, 2010 by Al B.

I think this will be a fine transition. Martha Kongsgaard is an excellent choice to take Bill’s role. While I am sorry to see him step down, I am happy to hear about Martha.

————————

July 30, 2010

Bill Ruckelshaus today announced he was stepping down as chair of the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Council. Governor Chris Gregoire today appointed Martha Kongsgaard to succeed Bill Ruckelshaus as chair. People For Puget Sound’s statement on this change of leadership is below as well as the Governor’s announcement:

“Puget Sound protection and recovery would not have come as far as it has today without the leadership and dedication of Bill Ruckelshaus and we thank him for his work,” said Kathy Fletcher, executive director of People For Puget Sound. “We look forward to working with Martha Kongsgaard as the new chair of the Leadership Council to move ahead aggressively to carry out their Action Agenda. The Sound’s health hangs in the balance. We need to fund the restoration of the Sound, need to toughen up regulations and enforcement, and need better oil spill prevention and response.”

From: Governor Christine Gregoire [mailto:Governor.ChristineGregoire@Governor.wa.gov]
Sent: Friday, July 30, 2010 3:44 PM

Dear friend of the Puget Sound:

Earlier today at the Puget Sound Partnership Leadership Conference meeting, Bill Ruckelshaus announced he is stepping down as chair.  Of course this announcement brings mixed emotions.  I’m sad he’s leaving this position, but also thrilled for Bill as he finally starts enjoying retirement and pursues other opportunities – which you’ll be happy to know still involve protecting and restoring the Puget Sound.

I remember when Bill and I said we had to do something different to save the Puget Sound.  There were many challenges, and we knew it would take a new approach to restore and protect the crown jewel of Washington’s ecosystem.  His vision – a united, science-based effort that involved the entire sound – became the Puget Sound Partnership.  Bill was instrumental in that work, bringing together our tribal partners, our business and environmental communities, our local governments, and our state and federal agencies.  Most of all – he carried out his number one value – and that is bringing people together from the ground up who shared his passion and dedication.

His vision was at once bold and effective, bringing a new vigor to our work.  Today we’re making strides toward a cleaner, healthier Puget Sound – and that’s in large part due to Bill’s leadership.

While Bill is stepping down from his current role, he will continue to fight for the health of Puget Sound in a new one.  I’m pleased that Bill is joining the board of the Puget Sound Foundation to enlist the help of the private sector and encourage the citizens of Puget Sound to fully embrace our goal of a healthy and prosperous Sound.

I wish him and his wife, Jill, the very best, and thank them for their years of service – not just here, but to our country.

I’m pleased to announce that Martha Kongsgaard has agreed to become chair of the leadership council.  Martha has a nearly insatiable appetite for service, and has spent many years working on Puget Sound issues.  I’m confident she will serve as chair as she did as vice chair – with commitment and vision.

Thanks again to Bill – and please join me in welcoming Martha to this new role.

Sincerely, Chris

Filed under: Around the Sound, People | Tagged: , , | Leave a Comment »

New Estuary and Salmon Recovery person at D.F.W.

Posted on February 10, 2010 by Al B.

Betsy Lyons has joined the Department of Fish and Wildlife as the Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program Manager. She will be the primary contact for administration of Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program competitions and awards:

Betsy Lyons, ESRP Program Manager
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
360-902-2572
Betsy.Lyons@dfw.wa.gov

Ms. Lyons was previously with The Nature Conservancy, and brings diversity of policy experience as well as a concrete understanding of on-the-ground project management. I am confident that she will enhance ERSP with her leadership and experience. Mr. Mike Ramsey will continue to support ESRP as the Recreation and Conservation Office project manager assigned to ESRP and nearshore funds.

Paul Cereghino will continue to co-locate with the WDFW nearshore team, and provide technical assistance from NOAA to the state, focusing on integrating PSNERP strategic planning into federal and state funding decisions and development of nearshore monitoring strategies and protocols. He will also resume duties as part of the NOAA Community-based Restoration Program team.

Paul R. Cereghino, Restoration Ecologist
NOAA Restoration Center
360-902-2603 (office) | 206-948-6360 (cell)
paul.r.cereghino@noaa.gov | paul.cereghino@dfw.wa.gov

Filed under: People | Leave a Comment »

Special Showing of “Poisoned Waters” Puget Sound version on PBS tonight

Posted on December 20, 2009 by Al B.

A special airing this Sunday, December 20th. at 9PM on KCTS.

A special version of the PBS show “Frontline: Puget Sound’s Poisoned Waters” program will air this Sunday, 12/20, at 6:30 pm on KCTS, channel
9 in Seattle. This re-edited version features new material specific to Puget Sound.

The airing will include a special 15 minute segment on the battle by native American tribes for salmon habitat restoration that was not
included in the national Frontline broadcast as well as a studio dialogue with Bill Ruckelshaus and Hedrick Smith with Enrique Cerna, the KCTS
anchor.

Filed under: First Nations, Hood Canal, Salish Sea | Leave a Comment »

Next Page »
Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 154 other followers

%d bloggers like this: