Northwest Straits Initiative Conference

The 2024 NW Straits Initiative conference , November 15-16, brought together 120 MRC members from all seven Northwest Straits counties, local leaders, project partners, Northwest Straits Commissioners, and Northwest Straits Foundation members in Everett.

The two-day event was filled with hope, collaboration, and a shared vision for developing community-driven marine conservation systems and projects that will protect and restore the health of our local ecosystems.

The Commission extends our gratitude to all who attended and contributed to a successful conference. It takes a village to put on an event like this and we appreciate all those who helped organize the event and outstanding sessions, which included participation from MRCs, the Science Advisory Committee, and the Foundation. 

Special thanks to keynote speaker, Dr. Elin Kelsey; Hayden Jenkins, NW Washington Director for Senator Patty Murray; Andrew Gobin, Tulalip Tribes Treaty Rights Office Manager, and to all of our outstanding speakers, presenters, panelists, and local leaders. Together, we are cultivating hope through local solutions for our environment!

View conference photos and resources on the conference webpage

The 2024 NW Straits Initiative conference was organized and funded by the NW Straits Commission using Federal funds from NOAA.

Rain garden report

Jefferson MRC held a rain garden work party with the help of two WSU Master Gardener volunteers and four MRC volunteers. They cleared weeds, divided and replanted a large lily, and added new plants to the upper tier. A local landscaper has been hired to assist with maintenance at Port Townsend's rain gardens through December.

Project Lead Janette Mestre is cataloging plants purchased in October and coordinating their final planting locations as the landscaper cleans up several gardens. Janette has also reached out to Jefferson County Public Works for potential support with maintenance

Learn more about Rain Gardens 

Pigeon guillemots

Clallam MRC’s Pigeon guillemot monitoring season concluded in mid-September and data entry has now been completed, showing that nesting extended later into the season than usual. Quality assurance and quality control is still in progress.

 The MRC collaborates with the Salish Sea Guillemot Network and the Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society, involving about 40 citizen scientists each season to monitor Pigeon guillemots, which are key indicators of nearshore habitat health. This long-term monitoring project is highlighted by strong partnerships, dedicated team members, and a large volunteer base, making it a standout effort for the Clallam MRC.

Learn more about Pigeon guillemots