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The insert talks about how we are making progress and how we can do better. Find out how local businesses,
the Chambers of Commerce, and the San Juan Island Visitors Bureau are supporting this effort.
Get the listings for local ports and marinas that have qualified for the Clean Marina certification – did you
know that we have the most of any county in Puget Sound?
Find out how you can learn more about the natural history and ecosystems of our Islands, curb noxious weeds
on your property, opportunities for hazardous waste disposal, and more.
A 'Stewardship Connection' page lists contacts for free technical assistance such as how to save $200 to
$550 by taking a free class on inspecting your own septic system, or developing a farm or forest plan to protect
water quality and wildlife habitats. You can also find contacts for conserving open space and wildlife corridors,
and what the county is doing to help.
Why does all of this matter? We live in a biological treasure trove that draws visitors from around the
world. Fish from one of the largest single salmon runs on the planet, the Frasier River system, use our islands
on their way to and from the Pacific Ocean. And, most importantly, our local economies depend upon keeping
our Island ecosystems healthy.
Recognizing the link between economic health and ecosystem health, the County Commissioners designated all
of San Juan County as a Marine Stewardship Area in 2004. The insert gives details about this grassroots effort
and priorities chosen by local participants.
Just like the county’s Marine Resources Committee established by local efforts fourteen years ago, our Marine
Stewardship Area is the first of its kind. However, it won’t work without you!
Added together, all of our everyday choices, big and small, make a larger impact on the health of our
Islands - our backyards - than most government policies to date.
So, download the insert, clip the sections that you find useful, and know that you are doing your part in
caring for our precious natural resources.
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