October 10, 2015
WNPS Conservation Report – Becky Chaney
Conservation Committee: Clay Antieau, Bill Brookreson, John Browne, Becky Chaney, Mike Marsh, and Don Hardin.
The Conservation Committee meets by conference call, the first Tuesday of every other month.
2015 meetings: March 10, May 12, September 8, November 10
We welcome additional participants, particularly from unrepresented chapters.
Committee Process
The Conservation Committee agreed on updated conservation grant criteria and updated the website. The committee is
in the process of reviewing a grant request from Ox Bow Farm in the Snoqualmie Valley. The Conservation Committee is
meeting via conference call and using google groups. Committee members are thanked for their dedication to the quick
review and turnaround that is frequently required for timely conservation advocacy.
Amicus Curiae for Whidbey Island Environmental Action Network (WEAN)
As reported in the September Douglasia, the Conservation Committee led WNPS participation as amicus curiae to
WEAN’s appeal of Island County’s new fish and wildlife habitat conservation ordinance. On June 24 the Growth
Management Hearing Board (GMHB) issued its final decision and order. The decision supports WEAN’s argument that
the county is not adequately protecting plants and their habitats as required by the Growth Management Act. The
GMHB stated: the GMA requires protection of the functions and values of habitat areas and ecosystems, based on
included Best Available Science. Plants provide essential ecosystem services and functions. If plants are not protected
then there will be a net loss of ecosystem functions and values. Island County subsequently requested a review of the
GMHB decision. On September 23, Washington Superior Court ruled that Island County’s appeal did not meet the filing
deadlines and the petition for review was dismissed. We are delighted to report that the ruling requiring protection of
sensitive, threatened, or endangered plant species and habitats stands.
The Conservation Committee believes this is a very significant ruling that has statewide significance for native plant and
habitat conservation. We appreciate the Executive Committee approving WNPS participation in this action. (Decisions
provided separately.)
Bumping Lake Excursion and Plant List
The Conservation Committee led a 5 day inventory and collection excursion to Bumping Lake July 15-19. Joe Arnett, Clay
Antieau and Ed Lisowski provided expert assistance. Becky Chaney and Don Hardin provided logistical support. The
Bumping Lake plant list now includes 230 species. During the excursion, a total of 180 species were documented by the
17 participants; about 80 of those were new additions and 100 confirmed past listings. Approximately 20 species were
collected for the herbarium. So far, over 90 species have been documented with photos. Cabin and campsite fees
totaled $454 and registration brought in $560, the difference of $106 was added to the general fund as Office
Administration. Participants were enthusiastic and felt similar trips would be worthwhile. The Conservation Committee
will determine if, when, and where additional excursions might occur. A significant amount of volunteer work was
required to set-up reservations, registration, and to record data.
Native Plant Conservation Campaign (NPCC) – conservation priorities
The mission of Native Plant Conservation Campaign is to promote the conservation of native plants and their habitats
through collaboration, education, and advocacy. On September 17, 2015 Clay and Becky spoke with Emily Roberson,
Director, about NPCC national plant conservation priorities and networking between native plant societies. Emily is
working to schedule a national conference call between PCA members in mid-November. WNPS is an affiliate of NPCC.
Seattle Proposed Natural Areas and Greenbelts Supplemental Use Guidelines
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In July, WNPS, in cooperation with Central Puget Sound Chapter, submitted a letter to Seattle Park Commissioners and
Councilmembers expressing opposition to the proposed use guidelines that would allow conversion of Seattle’s green
space areas, many of which support past and present WNPS restoration projects, into areas of active recreation.
National Forest Ecosystem Improvement Act of 2015
On July 31, WNPS submitted a letter to Senators Cantwell and Murray in opposition to SB 1691 – the so-called national
Forest Improvement Act that would, amongst other things, suspend federal environmental protections in order to
expedite logging of both post-fire wildlife habitat and unburned old forests on national forest lands.
Legislation to enact an Economic Impact Study of Noxious Weeds in Washington
WNPS received a request from David Tonklin, co-founder of the Washington Scotch Broom Working Group, asking WNPS
to support an Economic Impact Study of Noxious Weeds in Washington. Members of the committee reviewed the
request during study weekend and decided not to participate in this request. On October 2, Washington Invasive Species
Council sent WNPS a call for comments on their related Draft Strategic Plan.
USDA Aquatic Invasive Species Enforcement
On September 18, WNPS submitted a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture in support of their proposed
issuance of a long-term, region-wide aquatic invasive species law enforcement order that would prohibit the transport
of invasive aquatic species across state lines or from one water body to another within Washington and Oregon.
GRANTS 2015
Kruckeburg Garden
A $500 grant was approved for restoration of a serpentine garden bed at Kruckeburg Garden in Shoreline.
Ox Bow Farm Grant
A $1000 grant to fund the purchase of native plants for a restoration project at Ox Bow Farm, located north of
Carnation, is under consideration.
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