Third Beach

Lost and Found

September 24, 2013 Comments (0) journal

Surfrider NW Summit

The past weekend was a good chance for a lot of us who care about the health of the ocean to get together and compare notes. The Surfrider Northwest Summit brought Surfrider members and volunteers from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia to Westport where we had the chance to learn more about the things that are happening all over the region.

Big news revolved around proposed coal and oil export terminals, local bag bans and the push for marine spatial planning as a way to minimize future conflicts between development and environmental issues. WA State Senator Kevin Ranker was the keynote speaker, providing a history of Surfrider in the Pacific Northwest (he started the first chapter back in the day), as well as a clear accounting of where we are now and some of the things that need to be done if we are to protect our marine resources.

It’s a good organization, doing important work. You don’t have to be a surfer to join… kayakers, paddleboarders, photographers, kite-boarders… if you value the ocean (and Puget Sound), and you want to add your voice to those that are working to protect it, the first best way to do so is to become a member. Visit the South Sound chapter website for more details.