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The Importance of Hood Canal Stewardship

By Emily Sanford

The waning days of summer are a significant time for Hood Canal. In the past several years, low dissolved oxygen (DO) has plagued the canal, causing fish, shellfish and other marine life to wash up dead on its shores. These animals essentially suffocated, due to lack of oxygen.

Low DO events in the Canal typically strike in late summer or early fall. Residents and visitors to the Canal can do their part to help protect Hood Canal. Washington State University Extension-Mason County offers a couple of ways to get involved and take action: The Hood Canal Watershed Pledge Program and the Hood Canal Shore Stewards.

The Hood Canal Watershed Pledge

The Hood Canal Watershed Pledge Program provides resources to help people who live in the watershed better protect the Canal and other waterways such as streams, creeks and lakes. Even though the amount of pollution coming from one home may be small, when multiplied by the many homes near Hood Canal, the combined pollution can seriously affect water quality. Residents who sign up for the pledge program receive a booklet highlighting the fascinating features of Hood Canal. The booklet also suggests actions resident can "pledge" to do to better protect Hood Canal, such as pledging to keep lawn clippings away from the water or regularly inspecting their septic systems.

The Pledge focuses on:

  • Septic system maintenance and operation
  • Landscaping practices.
  • Managing stormwater runoff. -}

    Those who take the pledge also receive a beautiful recycled glass sun-catcher with a logo of the canal as a thank you and reminder of their commitment. In the program's first two year, nearly 300 Hood Canal residents have taken the pledge.

    Hood Canal Shore Stewards

    For those residents who live on shoreline or streamside property in Jefferson, Kitsap or Mason Counties (or have beach access through a community association), the Hood Canal Shore Stewards provides a great way to help protect the Canal.

    Shore Stewards learn about how they can maintain their property, care for their home, and enjoy their waterfront while caring for Hood Canal. Shore Stewards receive a booklet explaining how they can avoid contributing excess nutrients to the canal and improve fish habitat on their property.

    Subjects in the booklet include:

    • Water conservation.
    • Septic maintenance.
    • Shoreline and bluff maintenance.
    • Shoreline development considerations.
    • Gardening and native vegetation.
    • Erosion prevention.
    • Enjoying the beach and its unique habitat. -}

      Shore Stewards also receive a sign to display in their yard or on their shoreline, invitations to workshops where they will get more in-depth information, and newsletters updating current activities and conditions on Hood Canal.

      Working together... for Hood Canal

      WSU Extension Mason County is one of more than 35 private and public agencies and organizations working collaboratively to better understand the extent and dynamics of low DO through an organization called the Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program (HCDOP). This dynamic group formed in 2005, in response to the recent fish kills in the Canal. The Hood Canal Dissolved Oxygen Program is divided into two branches:

      • The Integrated Assessment and Modeling (IAM) program, which oversees and orchestrates the scientific and research work, including a three-year study that uses a sophisticated computer model. More information is at: http://www.hoodcanal.washington.edu
      • The Corrective Actions and Education (CAE) program, which educates and involves residents in ways they can help improve the quality of water in the Canal. More information is at: http://www.psp.wa.gov/hoodcanal -}

        Get involved!

        If you're interested in the Watershed Pledge and/or Shore Stewards programs, contact Emily Sanford, WSU Mason County Extension, at 360-427-9670, ext 682 or mailto:elpiper@wsu.edu For further information on Shore Stewards, visit: http://water.jefferson.wsu.edu/index.php?page=Shore_Stewards

        Both WSU Extension programs are funded by the Puget Sound Partnership and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

        WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination. Evidence of non-compliance may be reported through your local Extension office.


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Updated 2015/01/07 21:14:22