This year has seen lower than usual rainfall locally, which has led Governor Inslee to add Whatcom County (actually, the Nooksack Watershed, aka WRIA 1*) to the list of state areas already under a drought emergency declaration.
By itself, the Governor’s declaration does not provide the robust response that a serious drought would warrant. What is needed is a local plan, understood and supported by the public, which guides preparation for drought years during years prior to a drought, and effective drought responses when one occurs.
Op-Ed: A Drought Plan for Whatcom County, but Without Public Process…
The Whatcom Waterfront and Fishing Industry; is there a Future?
Last Thursday, May 23rd, Common Threads co-sponsored a forum that brought three local leaders together to talk about the issues faced and potential solutions for retaining a working waterfront and viable fishing industry. Panelists: Ken Bell, Port of Bellingham Commissioner (Pres.), Doug Thomas, President and CEO of Bellingham Cold Storage and Chairman for the private-nonprofit – San Juan Area Sea …
Ecology Agreement Provides Water for Skagit Well Owners
Looks like Seattle City Light has agreed to release more water from its 3 dams on the Skagit River in order to give existing homes with wells built between 2000 and 2013 legal access to their water year round. Of course, there’s always a catch. That would be as a first step for whatever mitigation plan Ecology has in mind.
Gary Hagland, Skagit CAPR
Chapter
Local Farmers Share Their Concerns for the Future
On Wednesday, March 6th, a panel of representatives comprised from local farming interests participated in the Common Threads Forum, Whatcom Agriculture – Is There A Future for Farming in Whatcom County?
CTNW Presents – Is There A Future for Farming In Whatcom County?
CTNW Presents – Is There A Future for Farming In Whatcom County?
Is There A Future for Farming in Whatcom County? In Washington State?
On Wednesday, March 6, 2019, Common Threads and other local groups have sponsored a forum on this topic, to be held at Meridian High School, in Bellingham, WA., from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm; the doors will be open to the public at 6:30 pm.