Rebecca Villaluz

The committee meeting focused on the development of the 2022-2026 Action Agenda, including feedback on strategy lists and the next phase of action development. Updates were provided on active NTA projects such as creosote piling removal at Jackson Beach, salmon foraging biomass research, and vessel drift analysis. Discussions included EPA funding guidance, the status of 2018 NTA funding, and potential future projects regarding shoreline armoring and flow studies for the False Bay Creek Watershed. Additionally, the committee received updates from the Puget Sound Partnership regarding indicator data and discussed member project updates concerning water line recovery and community engagement on tribal lands.

The meeting featured discussions on the Northwest Straights Foundation Shore Friendly grant program aimed at shoreline protection and armor removal, alongside updates on local shoreline projects conducted by Friends of the San Juans. Participants reviewed status updates on various plan objectives, including soft shores design projects, submerged aquatic vegetation restoration efforts, marine riparian and forest management, stormwater quality initiatives, and freshwater restoration. Additionally, the group reviewed the State of the Sound 2019 report, which highlighted regional indicators for species and habitat health, and discussed the evolving role and funding structure for Local Integrating Organizations.

The committee discussed updates on the State of the Sound report, specifically regarding ecosystem health and recovery funding. Key agenda items included the development process for 2018 Near Term Actions (NTAs), the status of 2016 NTA funding, and potential gaps in project planning. The committee also reviewed the Marine Water Quality Implementation Strategy, noting concerns about the reliance on a single vital sign indicator for wastewater treatment plant discharge. Additional discussions involved cross-jurisdictional land use rules, stormwater management, and regional coordination on marine and environmental projects.

The committee discussed updates on shoreline armoring analysis, progress on various salmon recovery and restoration projects including the Agate Beach and Mud Bay initiatives, and upcoming risk modeling webinars. Additionally, the meeting covered leadership council activities, Puget Sound Partnership updates, the development process for the 2022-2026 Action Agenda, and budget status updates for the FFY2021 capacity grant and support funds.

The committee discussed funding for creosote mitigation planning, including an aquatic survey and removal strategy for derelict pilings. Updates were provided on the San Juan Stewardship Network's current scientific projects, including initiatives for Earth Month and awards. The group reviewed draft desired outcomes for the 2022-2026 Action Agenda. Additionally, a research presentation was delivered regarding an emergency response vessel and ship drift analysis, which highlighted response time challenges in the Haro Strait and Boundary Pass areas.