RESPONSE TO PROPOSED CAO
Connect the dots
In response to the recent story about CAO regulations (June 24): When did people remove themselves from nature? When did we stop making the connection between the health of the planet and our own well-being? When did “environment” become a four-letter word? I shake my head in disbelief when I read quotes like that of John Evans: “What if these new setbacks help the salmon five percent but impact humans 60 percent?” Salmon are one of those species that can’t survive if both the land and sea aren’t in good shape. Neither can we. Where do we think clean air and water come from? We need to stop thinking in terms of “either/or,” and the media needs to stop framing issues as such. We’re not choosing one species over another. When we improve the health of streams, wetlands and shoreline, we help salmon and ourselves. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander, or something like that. But if we continue to think we can somehow be okay on a broken planet, then our goose is cooked.
Amy Gulick
Orcas Island
Protecting what we’ve got
The San Juan Islands are undeniably a beautiful and desirable place to visit, and for those of us fortunate enough to live here an environment that nourishes both solitude and community.
Most of us have several reasons why we chose to live and work here. Likely among them are the scenic qualities, the recreational opportunities, the proximity of wildlife, and the feeling of belonging in a special place. Along with these benefits should come responsibilities such as being good stewards of what we presently have and to preserve as much as possible for those who come after us.
We, the citizens of San Juan County, will determine what these islands will look like in the future. The county has recently been holding public hearings to discuss the proposed Critical Areas Ordinance. I notice that some of us feel that the regulations are an infringement on the right to develop our property in the manner that we wish. This is understandable in a culture that values financial success and even excess.
However, I suggest that we take a larger view. Think about the values that brought us here. If we value salmon or orca, then perhaps we should not place a bulkhead on a forage fish spawning beach, or place a dock over eelgrass, or allow toxic chemicals or bioactive hormone mimics into our waters.
The less we interfere with the natural processes and the web of marine life, the more likely we all will be able to enjoy those values that called us here and be able to pass on a healthy functioning environment.
It all comes down to what you value. People protect what they love. The proposed CAO is a reasonable effort and our best opportunity to protect this precious place we call home.
San Olson
Lopez Island
Examine the long-term
Some portions of a recent Sounder article, “New CAO regulations help environment but impact homeowners,” seem to suggest that a balance must be struck between protecting the environment and ensuring the welfare of human beings. I would like to suggest that the balance that is usually being struck is between immediate benefits to a small number of people and the long term welfare of all of us.
As an example, if we degrade areas that help fish survive, we decrease the food supply for everyone for the long term.
Is the short term benefit to an individual worth the long term harm to everyone? In a world where fish populations have already been decimated and people are starving to death, this is a question that must be taken very seriously.
Michael Hurwicz
Eastsound
Wine tasting event a success
As the organizers for the June 6 charity wine tasting fundraiser, we wanted to express our deep, heartfelt gratitude to the Orcas community. The event was a tremendous success with more than 300 people attending. The list of donors is too large to put in this letter, with more than 100 people, businesses, and organizations offering their support via attendance, time, energy, donations of goods and services, and money. We look forward to our next worthy cause, as we will need another good reason to throw this great party again! Thanks again to everyone who was involved, you know who you are! With appreciation for our generous and kind community.
Liz Hance, Chimo and Autumn Boehm, and Heather Wallace
Orcas Island
Garden Tour supports Orcas Garden Club
The weather was perfect and the gardens were beautiful on the last weekend in June when the Orcas Island Garden Club held its annual Orcas in Bloom Garden Tour. We wish to thank all those who helped make the event such a success – the generous garden owners who worked so hard to make their gardens so enjoyable; the committee who successfully planned, organized and executed the event; and the community that supported the club by attending and enjoying the gardens. We raised a record amount of money to continue the fine programs presented to our members and friends during the coming year and to fund gardening projects around the Island.
The Garden Club has been active for over 50 years and has over 100 members. In addition to the Garden Tour, the club presents well-informed speakers for our monthly meetings from September through June. The purpose of the organization is to promote interest in gardening, civic beauty, conservation and roadside beautification. Membership is open to all.
Thanks again for all your support for this year’s tour.
Sylvia McKenney and Eska Wilson
2009 Garden Tour co-chairs
Harming swallow nests is against the law
On Monday, June 29, our building was pressure-washed expressly to destroy swallows’ nests. Since none of us were notified in advance of the work being done, many of the residents were not at home when it happened. At least seven nests were destroyed, all with eggs or fledglings. An egg-sitting adult was killed. It was traumatic for the children and adults in our community. We loved watching the graceful and beneficial birds. One of the children found three live babies and due to her efforts to keep them warm, safe, and alive, these were delivered to Wolf Hollow. So far, they are still alive.
Willfully destroying any migratory bird’s nest during breeding and nesting season is a federal and state felony, under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918. Swallows are remarkable birds. They migrate as far south as Argentina, to as far north as the Yukon, which can mean as much as 14,000 miles round trip. We are blessed to have them here in the San Juans. They eat mosquitoes and other bugs. Their populations are declining mostly because of the actions of mankind. Swallows need all the help that they can get, as do other neotropical migratory birds. Over half of the bird species in Washington State are migratory birds.
Please do not remove or destroy swallow nests unless it is early April and they are just starting to build. Once an adult swallow is in even a partial nest, the law protects them and you must wait until late September or early October to remove the nests. There are ways to cohabitate with swallows. You can read this information and more about swallows on the Audubon website. If anyone sees a person removing nests or partial nests with one or more inhabitants, get names, a license number, and report it to the State Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Brenda Sadie Bailey
Lavender Hollow Apartments
Prom for John
Get your party outfit and let’s dance!
The Adult Prom is a benefit for John Baker. John is an integral part of our community – especially our stage community – and now he needs our help.
Celebrate John, our community and the opportunity to dress to the nines – or not – this is Orcas! Wear what makes your heart sing. The most important thing is to come for John.
Come alone, come in a group, come hear Orcatrazz, they will get you on your feet.
Many a party has happened at the Discovery House, let’s make this one a party to remember for John.
Kathleen & Errol Speed
Eastsound
