The Marine Resources Committee (MRC) is an advisory group to the Board of County Commissioners. MRC members are citizen volunteers committed to protecting and restoring marine habitats in our ecologically rich corner of the world.

Monthly Meeting - Nov 2019
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MRC works with community volunteers and partner organizations to protect marine habitats.

Seeking New MRC Members

The Jefferson MRC now has openings for the following volunteer positions: 

  • District 2 Rep
  • District 3 Rep 

We advise our County Commissioners on issues related to the marine resources of East Jefferson County and sponsor projects that reflect local priorities.

Applicants should have demonstrated interest, experience and/or affiliation with marine and shoreline-related activities, organizations or businesses. Of particular interest are: familiarity with water quality issues, communication skills, maritime trades or marine-related businesses, restoration/conservation practitioner experience or education focus.

For more information, see the Vacancy Announcement, explore this website or contact Jeff.co.mrc@gmail.com. Applicants must submit a letter of interest and an MRC Application Form.  Positions are open until filled. For more info, contact Cheryl Lowe (cheryl.lowe@wsu.edu or 360-379-5610 x 230.)  Screening Committee will begin reviewing applications for the above positions on Oct. 30, 2019.

Fort Worden Boat Ramp OPEN HOUSE

WA State Parks is in the planning phase for renovations to the Fort Worden pier and boat ramp.  See https://parks.state.wa.us/1147/Fort-Worden-pier-and-boat-launch for a full description. They are hosting an Open House to provide more information about the boat launch portion of the project:

  • Date:    Wed. October 2, 2019, 6:00-8:00 PM
  • Location:   Friends’ Barn,  Fort Townsend State Park, 1370 Old Fort Townsend State Park

The open house will provide an opportunity to connect with State Parks staff and experts to answer your questions, address your concerns and explain the next steps in the planning process. Information will be presented at a series of display stations covering topics including:

  • Project history & long-range planning efforts
  • Draft preferred alternative & visual renderings
  • Existing issues & need for improvements
  • How we’re reducing impacts and enhancing habitat
  • Next steps - where do we go from here?

No formal testimony will take place, but written comments are encouraged. 

Quilcene Rain Garden Helpers Needed Sept 24

Jefferson MRC and WSU Extension will be installing a new rain garden and we’d love your help installing it.  Details and directions will be sent to those who sign up.

Volunteer Shifts: 10am - 1pm or 1-4 pm

Learn all about rain gardens first hand, by planting alongside the experts or just have fun digging in the dirt and being part of a project that serves as a long-term filter to keep pollutants out of Puget Sound. For more info or to sign up, contact Cheryl Lowe (Cheryl.lowe@wsu.edu).

 

Instructor Nancy Slick with program participants.

Searching for Seaweed Beach Walk

Jefferson MRC sponsored a 'Searching for Seaweed' Beach Walk over Labor Day weekend to highlight marine habitats and ecological connections through an informative program about seaweeds, sea grasses and other things we find on the beach. Over 30 people attended, and gave us a chance to introduce the MRC to a new audience, teach people a little about which species are edible and also remind them about  WDFW seaweed harvesting regulations.  See Resources Page for links to a couple of the handouts.

Wooden Boat Festival

Jefferson MRC, WSU Extension and WA Sea Grant joined forces this year to host an engaging educational booth at the 2019 Wooden Boat Festival. Kids loved tossing forage fish bean bags to "feed the salmon", while boaters were challenged to figure out what's wrong with an anchor sitting in (plastic) eelgrass or learned about resources for shoreline landowners or classes they could take.

Troy McKelvey and Gordon King with one of the cleaned buoys.

Protecting Eelgrass Beds

Jefferson MRC maintains navigation buoys in three local bays to mark Voluntary No-anchor Zones. These no-anchor zones protect eelgrass and shellfish beds from boat damage by encouraging boats to anchor outside the eelgrass beds so anchor chains don't drag through the eelgrass. 

This year in Port Hadlock Bay, maintenance included scraping off several years of accumulated shellfish and other ‘fouling” that weighs down the buoys. Thanks to Troy McKelvey and Gordon King for al their work!

See below for what we found how much higher the buoys float when cleaned!