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The Water Trails Association Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2009

In This Issue...... New Campsite on Access-Starved Indian Island Site Stewards In Action 3 The nautical charts are well marked and shoreline signage leaves Wanted: Volunteers! 3 no doubt: boaters are to stay at least Staff Changes at WWTA 5 200 feet off shore of Indian Island. Annual Auction Insider Report 5 Indeed, the U.S. Navy manages the Member Potluck 9/25 6 bulk of the island as an ammunition Open House 11/16 6 depot and access is strictly forbidden. That is, except for Indian Island Park, Progress on Kitsap Peninsula 7 a narrow two-mile strip of shoreline Without a Trace 7 managed by Jefferson County Parks Of Orcas & Access 7 and Recreation Department. Thanks Thank You! 8 to a partnership between WWTA and the Jefferson County Park De- partment, this precious parcel of public shoreline now features a stop Portage Beach: another great stop along the Indian Island-Marrowstone Island circuit. along the Cascadia Marine Trail. Continued Page 4 Marine Trail Rides the Ebb & Flow of State Budget A look back at the Washington State solutions to keep State Parks funding Legislative events the last few months more intact. The final solution reached is in order to let WWTA members was fully participated in by WWTA know that while the duck was serenely members who sat at the appropriate moving along against the current, its tables and participated in the strategy feet were paddling very hard below the and decision making process which surface. led to the final outcome. WWTA Since many of the Cascadia Marine members actively participate in the Trail sites are located in Washington Washington Boating Alliance, a con- Easy Current News is published by State Parks, our biggest threat was the sortium of boaters from all segments Washington Water Trails Association closure of those parks. State Parks did of the recreational boating commu- a masterful and timely job of releas- nity. Through this participation these WWTA is a non-profit organization WWTA members supported a one that promotes advocacy, education, ing a list of potential park closures in response to the $9 billion state budget time biennial redirection of $9 mil- and stewardship of public access lion from the Recreational Resource to Washington’s waterways for shortfall projections. This list moti- vated enough calls to legislators (many Account to State Parks. The RRA dol- people in human and wind powered lars come mostly from road tax paid beachable watercraft. from WWTA members) that those legislators were encouraged to look for Continued Page 4 Easy Current News Summer 2009

From Board President Don Crook Site Stewards In Action Active boaters with an eye for erosion, overgrown signage, and Summer sunshine and blue sky always start me thinking of exotic paddle explora- other campsite impacts are busy monitoring and maintaining tions and grandiose trip plans. Unfortunately, time available for these dreams forces ’s network of 56 campsites. Cascadia Marine Trail reality to prevail. So last week I decided to use the time available with car and kayak Site Stewards are at large on the water trail – keeping WWTA and to range south to north sound on some favorite Cascadia Marine Trail (CMT) sites. land managers informed, updating and replacing signage, and My report – It was great. More importantly, it looks to get even better with new leg- maintaining safe, enjoyable destinations along the shoreline. islation sponsored by Congressman Jay Inslee and co-sponsored by Representatives Adam Smith, Jim McDermott, Rick Larson and Norm Dicks. A dozen volunteers joined the ranks of Site Stewards after attending WWTA’s annual spring training May 2nd & 3rd at the Back in May you may recall WWTA sent out an electronic call to action on HR Breazeale Interpretive Center on . The training ori- 1641 - The Cascadia Marine Trail study bill. This bill requires the study of the CMT ented participants to the basics of managing and monitoring for designation as a National Scenic Trail. It also directs the study of connections the Cascadia Marine Trail. Guest speakers included Jack Hartt, to nearby sites of recreation, scenic or historic significance that are not connected Manager of State Park, and Laurel Baldwin of the directly to the trail. If successful, it would be followed by a bill designating the CMT Whatcom County Noxious Weed Control Board. After a day of as a National Scenic Trail. So, you ask, what is the significance of this other than a classroom training, a handful of trainees enjoyed a potluck and nice new title and honor. camping at Deception Pass. In the morning, the training recon- Well, the National Scenic Trail designation would elevate the federal status of the trail, helping to protect access and vened for site visits and monitoring practice at Bowman Bay and promote ecological stewardship. The Cascadia Marine Trail would be eligible for potential funding and technical as- Oak Harbor campsites. sistance to protect Puget Sound’s precious shoreline resources, attract new recreational users and tourists to the region, After the training, Site Steward Mike Woolf of Vashon Island and provide educational and interpretive opportunities for visitors to better understand the history and ecology of the stepped up to fill the role of WWTA’s Site Steward Coordinator. area. Helping fill a void in staff resources, Mike will process incoming WWTA supported the legislation by sending a representative to testify before the National Parks, Forests, and Pub- What’s wrong with this picture? Site Stewards will fix it! steward reports and facilitate the information flow between vol- lic Lands congressional committee in Washington, D.C., during the May hearings. You can add your support for pro- unteer stewards, WWTA staff, and land managers. As local land moting environmental awareness, stewardship, and low-impact recreation use via human powered craft by contacting managers also wrestle with reduced budgets, the efforts of Site your legislators and telling them how important this is issue is to you - and the next generation of Cascadia Marine Wanted: Volunteers! Stewards are increasingly valuable. Thanks to a recent $5,000 Trail travelers. Thanks for your help and support. Office Help grant from REI, WWTA’s Site Steward Program will continue to grow and improve! From Executive Director Julie Anderson Have some time to share? WWTA needs your help with a variety of tasks in the office on Learn more at www.wwta.org/get_involved. 2009 has presented WWTA with many difficult challenges but has also brought Mondays, Tuesdays and/or Fridays. Whether you successful events with the Sea Kayak and Canoe Winter Seminar and the Annual want a one-time gig or an ongoing opportunity Recent Steward Reports Auction. This spring WWTA also held the Leave No Trace Trainer Course and Site to contribute, your time at WWTA will be Steward training. Many, many, many thanks to all of our supporters who believe in valued. Our office is located in the Historic Fred Clark Strawberry Island Bob Shipp Pelican Beach Mark Cole Joemma Beach Rich Smith Belfair SP WWTA and its mission of preserving public access! Good Shepherd Center in Seattle’s Wallingford Bruce Farrar Kayak Point Twanoh SP Even with reduced staff and dollars WWTA’s goal is to continue to follow its mis- neighborhood, with plenty of parking, good Tom Hicks Kayak Point Mike Woolf Lisabeula sion. We will continue to look for new sites and will seek funding for programs. We company, and beautiful views. Sometimes we Friends of Camano Island Park Stuart Island even eat cookies. For more information on how Camano Island Park Wingehaven are watching our budget carefully, and have taken steps to reduce expenses wherever Gerry Hodge San Juan County Park possible. However, as is happening all around us, we, too, will have to cut some pro- you can plug in, contact Amy, [email protected]. Posey Island grams and staff while narrowing our scope. There will be some changes for WWTA West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium Outreach Griffin Bay Jones Island in order to sustain the organization. You now are aware that this newsletter is an Meet fellow boaters and learn more about online version rather than a printed version. As all of WWTA’s staff are working part Glenn Hoenes Odlin County Park WWTA while helping staff our indoor outreach Posey Island time, the office hours are reduced to Tuesdays and Fridays. We will be depending booth at the region’s premier paddling event: the Shaw Island County Park more on volunteers now and in the future. There are many exciting opportunities to West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium. Two hour San Juan County Park participate and volunteer with WWTA. shifts are available September 25-27th. To sign Hole in the Wall Paddling Club Burrows Island We recently opened a new site at Portage Beach and are on our way to opening sites on Kitsap Peninsula. We are also up, email [email protected]. Learn more Mark Levensky Oak Harbor working with DNR to try and avert potential seasonal closures at Pelican Beach and Cypress Head. Let’s not forget to about the event at www.wcsks.org. Penrose State Park get outside and play on the water! We would like to hear from you about your summer travels on the water! Lee Metcalf   Easy Current News Summer 2009

Ebb & Flow Continued from Page 1 Spring Cleaning on the CMT Annual Auction Insider Report I’m a more experienced kayaker now than I was at my first auction, so I know how to play the silent auction on fuel for trailerable boats. The RRA money usually goes a bit better. At that first auction, I really didn’t know to local and state government grants to build infrastructure what most of the gear was used for once you got it on (such as launch ramps) to serve these boaters. All indica- the water. In subsequent auctions, my focus was less tions were that the RRA money was going to be swept into about shopping for schwag and more about making a the general fund, so it was better to keep the money in the donation, and I budgeted accordingly. area of recreation and have it go to State Parks. What was different for me as a board member was WWTA members also contributed to a professional being privy to the tremendous effort of the staff and phone survey, organized by the group, CPR4Parks, done in the auction committee expended to stage the event. early April which pinpointed the $5 opt-out license tab fee Before, I presumed that you ran into the venue, threw for State Parks as the most palatable route for the legislature stuff in piles around the silent auction tables, slipped to take in making up another $23 million in budget State some amphetamine to the auctioneer and then waited Parks would be losing. The survey was also instrumental in for the money to flow into your buckets. predicting the amount of money the license tab fee would generate. Now I know how much negotiation goes on in securing product donations, cajoling people to buy WWTA had people working the trenches in cooperation A monument to progress: mounds of English Ivy and Scotch Broom on Congressman Jay Inslee makes opening remarks. tickets, chasing the Seafair pirates around hoping to with other recreational groups and along with your legisla- Blind Island. Photo credit: Peter Hendrickson. hornswaggle one or two into port, organizing volun- tive contacts, was able to help prevent the closure of sev- - March 7th Hi, my name is Phil Philbin, and I’m a new WWTA board teers at the event itself, etc. eral Cascadia Marine sites and other Puget Sound access Dune grass! 1,500 native dune grass plants found a member, as well as the Treasurer. I’ve been having a good sites in the coming biennium. As a reminder, the follow- It is by now no secret that WWTA faces formidable new home at the Blake Island Cascadia Marine Trail site time getting acquainted with the staff, the board and some of ing State Parks with marine facilities were on the chopping financial obstacles. The Auction, while a fun annual thanks to the hearty crowd of volunteers at this year’s an- the inner workings of the organization. block: Tolmie, Old Fort Townsend, Larrabee, Kopachuck, event that generates a good chunk of cash, must be nual Blake Island work party. The crew didn’t stop at dune Because I’ve now attended the annual Auction as both a Joemma, Fort Ward, Fay Bainbridge, Jarrell Come, Illahee, augmented by other sources of support. Please keep grass – they scoured the beach and campsites for litter regular member and a board member, I’ve been asked to pro- Dash Point, Potlatch, Fort Ebey, Fort Flagler, Fort Casey, your eyes on the newsletter and the website for addi- small and large, transplanted ferns to an eroded campsite vide an inside/outside perspective on the Auction. and . Fay Bainbridge and Fort Ward tional events and initiatives, do what you can to par- on the island’s west side, and planted a thicket of ferns in will be turned over to Bainbridge Island Parks and Recre- First, let me say that I’ve enjoyed all of the auctions I’ve ticipate yourselves, and recruit other boaters that you the clearing adjacent to the newly installed year-round ation. Both parks will retain their Cascadia Marine Trail attended enormously. Its atmosphere is low-key but profes- know to join in. vault toilet. Recognizing over five years of annual work sites under new management. State Parks continues to ex- sional, informed by a passion and sense of shared mission parties, Blake Island Manager Paul Rupert announced the Editor’s Note: Thanks to the stellar donations and plore transferring management of select parks to local pub- without the one-upmanship I’ve experienced in other auction official “adoption” of the Blake Island by WWTA. spirited bidding by attendees, the 2009 Annual Auction lic agencies, but for now, no parks will close. settings. And it’s a great chance to see the bottom half of the raised over $28,000 after expenses. The event would not Portage Beach – March 13th & 14th people that you’ve been kayaking with all year. The budget gods give, and they take. While recreation be possible without the dedicated work of our volunteers The two-day work party to clear the new campsites at supporters were busy rallying for State Park funding, the As far as an inside/outside comparison, I didn’t really per- and generous donations from a range of businesses and Portage Beach was a test to any pair of leather gloves. Jef- Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) ceive a difference in the experience of the event itself. Sure, individuals. See page 8 for our “Thank You” roll call. ferson County Parks volunteer Dennis Burk did the prep Recreation Program Budget quietly suffered a nearly 50% work – clearing trails and campsites with a rented brush reduction for the two year cycle that started July 1. The hog. During the work party, volunteers hauled off small Staff Changes at WWTA Agency acted quickly to reduce services – and in some cas- mountains of thorny brush and meticulously cut the rem- By reducing expenses and expanding volunteer involvement, WWTA is sustaining the organization’s ability to es plans to permanently remove facilities. One casualty to nant stubs of many hundreds of Nootka rose. work on programs and public access issues. The office is now open on Tuesdays and Fridays, 9am-5pm, and Execu- the budget cut was Strawberry Island, near Cypress Island. tive Director Julie Anderson is currently working part time. Outreach Director for the past five years, Sarah Krueger, On June 28th, DNR removed and capped the outhouse as Jones Island & Blind Island – May 9th is leaving her position to focus on her new role as Outreach & Marketing Manager for The RE Store and pursue a well as picnic tables, sending notice of the sites’ permanent WWTA members headed out to the San Juan Islands Certificate in Public Relations at the University of Washington. WWTA plans to hire a part time temporary Outreach closure to WWTA that afternoon. DNR is considering sea- for a double feature. One crew assembled at Blind Island Coordinator to assist with communications and programs. Membership & Office Manager Amy Popp continues her sonal closures for both Cypress Head and Pelican Beach to conduct the annual task of eradicating invasive Eng- vital work to keep operations running smoothly at WWTA. Thank you to the deducation of members, volunteers, on Cypress Island. WWTA, along with local outfitters and lish Ivy and Scotch Broom from the small island. Another and Board Members who have stepped up to help the organization during uncertain financial times. concerned citizens, will work with DNR to devise a volun- crew took on improvements at Jones Island, helping State teer stewardship plan that aims to prevent seasonal closures Parks re-establish the hiking trail along the island’s east Interested in making a difference and helping steer the course? WWTA’s Board of Directors is currently recruiting on Cypress Island. side. members. To learn about the desired qualifications and expected commitment, email Julie at [email protected]. Continued on Page 6   Easy Current News Summer 2009

New Campsite Progress on the Kitsap Peninsula Continued from Page 1 Eighteen months after Kitsap County Parks and Recreation closed three Cascadia Save the Dates! Marine Trail campsites, the department signed and returned an official Letter of Please RSVP to [email protected] Agreement to Washington Water Trails Association. The contract paves the way for WWTA to reopen two previous water trail campsites and open three additional sites on Kitsap Peninsula. Pending work parties, two former staples of the Hood Canal WWTA Member Potluck region of the Cascadia Marine Trail, Salsbury Point and Laughlin Cove, will reopen. Friday, September 25th, 2009 The Anna Smith campsite near Silverdale will remain closed until shoreline erosion issues are resolved. 5:30pm - 7:00pm at Officer’s House 9E State Park in Port Townsend Kitsap Peninsula’s new additions will fill strategic gaps along the water trail sys- tem. Pilot Point, approximately two miles south of Point No Point, will provide a Every year, dozens of WWTA Members and their safe haven on the Peninsula’s north end. The property will bridge the large gap be- guests from around the state (and beyond!) gather for tween Mid-Sound campsites and those on the Olympic Peninsula and Hood Canal. a top-notch potluck. Join us for good food, drinks and Anderson Point, a 66-acre park, will provide a valuable camping opportunity on Cedar stump house at Guillemot Cove excellent company during the West Coast Sea Kayak the western shores of Colvos Passage. Another long-awaited addition to the trail is The new campsite beneath blooming serviceberry bushes. Symposium! Guillemot Cove on Hood Canal. The campsite looks north toward Dabob Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The Guil- The new campsite is located at Portage Beach, lemot Cove Preserve offers hiking trails, a curious cedar stump house, and salmon-watching opportunities in Boyce just south of the Portage Canal Bridge that con- Creek. nects Indian Island to the mainland. Portage Beach WWTA Open House WWTA is currently planning site surveys and assesments at each campsite. Work parties will take place this fall and Monday, November 16th, 2009 is a quiet, private and protected campsite nestled spring – stay tuned for opportunities to help. In the meantime, if you happen to visit any of these Kitsap County parks, among Nootka rose and hawthorn trees. Campers 5:30pm - 8:30pm, REI Seattle Flagship Store please contact us and share your feedback. can stretch their legs on two miles of walking trails The Open House is a chance to learn more about or enjoy views of Oak Bay and watch the swift cur- WWTA, celebrate accomplishments, enjoy appetizers rents change in Portage Canal. Of Orcas & Access Without a Trace and libations and... polka! This year’s party features The How do you build a WWTA teamed up with Jefferson County Parks The Southern Resident Orcas of Puget Sound are endan- Smilin’ Scandanavians, complete with accordian, banjo fire that doesn’t scorch and trail volunteer-extraordinaire Dennis Burk for gered. The problem is complex - contaminated water and and tuba. the soil? What do you a two day work party in early March. Thanks to a severely reduced salmon runs, among other factors, are com- do when you can’t (or significant amount of prep work by Dennis and the pounded by the boating paparazzi that crowd the charming shouldn’t) dig a cat hole park staff, the small band of volunteers cleared walk- cetaceans. for waste? How do you ing paths, installed a picnic bench, and cleared the NOAA is proposing new rules on vessel traffic aimed at pro- Spring Cleaning Continued from Page 4 tell your camping bud- way for four tent pads. As of mid-July, the campsite tecting Puget Sound’s iconic marine mammals. The proposed Camano Island – June 9th dies there is a better way is still in progress but ready for use. rules would prohibit vessels from approaching any Ocra closer WWTA Member Carol Triplett reported a small work to wash their dishes in the than 200 yards (current regulations are 100 yards) and forbid party at the Camano Island Cascadia Marine Trail (the trail’s backcountry? If you have Portage Beach Stats vessels from intercepting or parking in the path of a whale. In first official campsite!). Carol is a CMT Site Steward and Co- ever asked yourself these Coordinates: N 48˚ 01.866’ W 122˚ 43.735’ addition, the proposed regulations would set up a half-mile- Chair of Friends of Camano Island Parks (FOCIP), a volun- questions, you might un- wide no-go zone along the west side of San Juan Island from teer group that regularly stewards the campsites. Trailheads: derstand what motivated May 1 through the end of September where generally no ves- Port Hadlock Launch Ramp...... 1 nms seven adults to spend a Hope Island - June 20th sels would be allowed, including non-motorized boats. Beach debris becomes a East Beach...... 6 nms weekend with WWTA. Long-time Site Steward and WWTA volunteer Gerry blackboard Boat Haven Boat Ramp...... 5.75 nms What do you think about the proposed no-go zone along San At the annual Leave No Trace Trainer Course June Hodge coordinated an annual work party at Hope Island with Juan Island’s western shore? Share your thought in WWTA’s Adjacent Sites: 6-7, participants pondered, practiced, and presented members of the South Sound Area Kayakers club. Volunteers online Forum and submit your comments to NOAA, e-mail Oak Bay County Park...... 0.75 nms the best practices of low-impact recreation. The week- focused on pulling invasive tansy. [email protected]. The agency will consider all substantive Kinney Point...... 2.25 nms end workshop began on Vashon Island and included Joemma Beach - June 21st comments received by Oct. 27, 2009. Public meetings will be an overnight stay on Blake Island. Two participants Fort Flagler SP...... 4.5 nms September 30 at the Seattle Aquarium, and October 5 at The Site Steward Mark Cole recruited fellow members of the traveled from Victoria, BC to attend the course – vow- Charts: Grange Hall in Friday Harbor, both 7-9 p.m. Learn more, visit Tacoma Mountaineers to do some campsite maintenance at ing to bring Leave No Trace ethics back to their com- NOAA chart 18423 & SeaTrails chart WA 103 the NOAA Northwest Region website: www.nwr.noaa.gov. Joemma Beach after a club paddle. Thanks, Mark! munity of kayak guides and instructors.   Easy Current News Summer 2009

Business & OrganizationalThank Members Auction Business Donors RentonYou! Civic Theatre Sound Rowers Aqua Verde Paddle Club Sail2Discover South Sound Area Kayakers Aqua Verde Restaurant Sea Kayaker Magazine Anacortes Kayak Tours Alki Kayak Tours Seals Sprayskirts Azimuth Expeditions Aqua Trek Adventures SeaTrails Adventure Guidemaps Cascade Canoe & Kayak Argosy Cruises Seattle Art Museum Cascadia Kayak Tours ArtsWest Seattle Audubon Discovery Sea Kayaks Axis of Hope Seattle Tilth Kayak Academy Babette Kunkle Spa Blix Pachner & Associates Barefoot Yoga Co. Steel Bamboo Studio PT Outdoors Caffe Appassionato Stohlquist Waterware Ruby Creek Boathouse LLC Cascade Bicycle Club The Cascade Group SealLine Cascade Designs The Comedy Underground Office Volunteers Cascadia Kayak Tours The Donaldson Clinic The Museum of Flight Hilary Aten, Development Intern Center for Wooden Boats The Steamship Virginia V Bria Hedhal Century Ballroom Foundation Joan Collins Christine Burris Fine Arts The Troll House Jim Emery Christopher of Kirkland Photography The Whale Museum Don Crook Civic Light Opera ThriveLife Yoga Auction volunteers in the trenches. Carole Petrich Coastal Waters Recreation Tilikum Place Café Phil Philburn Cocoon by Design Salt Trade Association of Paddlesports James Poirson Cork & Cellar University of Sea Kayaking Auction Volunteers 4/4 Joanne Polayes Divine Modern Greek Cuisine Werner Paddles Emily Armstrong Reed Waite Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition West Seattle Thriftway Jon Berry Mike Woolf Egan & Associates Essential Bakery Café Whirling Girl Bob Burnett Blake Island Work Party 3/7 Evergreen Rowing Wide World Books & Maps Christine Burris Jon Berry Gearhart by the Seat Resort and Golf Woodland Park Zoo Dede Chinlund Don Crook Betsy Bertiaux Gluckman Photography Auction Individual Donors Don Crook Dave Cusenza GolfTec The Bauermeister Family Chuck Curry Hothouse Spa Kris Cusenza Dave Cusenza David Desertspring Mike Ewanciw Industrial Revolution Dubside Kris Cusenza Innova Kayak Bruce Farrar Peter Hendrickson The Farrar Family Christine Ferris Jana Cooper Jewelry Christine Ferris Mark Levensky Jones Soda Toene Hayes Jerry Meenk Joan Foley Bria Hedahl Julia’s Restaurant Michael Geier Nancy Tomkin Kayak Academy Gerry Hodge Reed Waite Gary Gibson Dave Humeston Kayak Instruction Excellence Tim Hallmark Tina Waite Kippy Irwin, LMP Lisa Johnson Bria Bedahl Laurie Kavanagh Portage Beach Work Party 3/13-14 Lynn Hyde Gerry Hodge Mae’s Phinney Ridge Café Eric Kocaja Vern Brown Congressman Jay Inslee Kristen Kosidowski Dennis Burk Marine Technologies International Lorne Jacobson Massage Envy Emily Moran Darryl Hrenko Kevin Jones Judy Moyer Millard Martin Modern Hot Records Ginny Kerr Mountaineers Books Trang Phan Lee Metcalf Diane Leavy Ann Rieser Northwest Dance Network David Locke Blind & Jones Island Work Parties 5/9 Northwest Outdoor Center Karen Scharer John Locke Emily Slotnick Hilary Aten Oasis Art Gallery Susan Macomson Betsy Bertrauix Olympic Music Festival Claire Smith Judy Moyer Paul Thomas Fred Clark Olympic Outdoor Center Don Partington Karl Guntheroth Olympic Raft & Kayak Marja Van Pietersom Ben Peterson Nadia Villarroel Peter Hendrickson Outdoor Research Rachel Peterson Eric Kocaja Pacific Maritime Institute Reed Waite Ann Rieser Ali Zuberi Kristen Kosidowski Paddler’s Supply Michael Silence Katie Level PCC Natural Markets Laurie Staley Mike Moreland Philharmonia Northwest Reed Waite Nancy Temkin Popeye’s Marine and Kayak Center Ritz Wood Reed Waite Pro Guiding Service Tina Waite Rat City Roller Girls