November/December Events, Field Trips, and Newsletter Are Online!

Nov/Dec Events, Field Trips, and Newsletter Are Online

Check it out at http://www.northcascadesaudubon.org and click on Newsletter to download the latest issue. Events and field trips are on the Calendar page.

Seasonal Events

Bellingham and San Juan Ferry Christmas Bird CountsSaturday, December 15 and Sunday, December 16See the Nov/Dec newsletter issue for CBC information and how to participate.NCAS Holiday Potluck at the YWCATuesday, December 11, from 6 to 9 pmYWCA Ballroom1026 N Forest Street, BellinghamJoin us at the YWCA Ballroom to celebrate another great year of birds, birding, and our Audubon community. There will be live music, good food, great company, and an exciting presentation to be determined. Please bring plates, utensils, and a dish to share. Coffee and tea will be provided.

General Membership Meeting with Robert Waddell

Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in Washington. As the State’s human population continues to grow, more fish and wildlife species have been put at risk by loss and fragmentation of critical habitat, disturbance, and introduction of non-native species. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) oversees the listing and recovery of those species in danger of being lost in the State. WDFW biologist Robert Waddell will give an overview of the State Wildlife Action Plan which lays out the primary threats and priorities for conservation of species and habitats throughout Washington.  Discussion will include the effects of species listing and recovery plans, the threats affecting recovery, and accounts of local species with greatest conservation needs.Robert Waddell has worked as a biologist for WDFW since January 2016, most recently as the Wildlife Biologist for Skagit and Whatcom Counties. Robert works with and manages a variety of species, from mountain goats to Oregon spotted frogs. He holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Wildlife Ecology and Management from the University of Georgia. Robert spent two years in Mongolia as a Peace Corps Volunteer assisting a secondary school with their environmental education curriculum, performing surveys for argali and snow leopard, and capturing and radio-tracking Mongolian gazelle. He then worked as a researcher with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and studied urban mountain lions, coyotes, desert bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, and the ecological impacts to wildlife from desert water developments.Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month:November 27, 2018at the Whatcom Museum Rotunda Room

Donate to NCAS in 2018

IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution Please consider donating part of your Required Minimum Distribution (if you are 70 ½ or older) as a Qualified Charitable Distribution to NCAS. Direct disbursements to NCAS from your retirement account are tax free. The following link provides information on this opportunity to help NCAS continue our good work.  www.fidelity.com/learning-center/personal-finance/retirement/qcds-the-basics

September Board Minutes

Summary of NCAS Board Meeting:  September 3, 2018 The Board met at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship from 7 to 9 pm on September 3 and took the following actions and/or discussed the following issues: 

  • The remaining $1,000 of our $3,000 scholarship budget has been reserved for a possible Beginning Birding class to be offered at Whatcom Community College.
  • Audubon will staff a booth at the Bellingham Farmer’s Market twice per year.
  • Reservations for the Pearrygin Lake Campout have been made for Thursday-Sunday, May 30-June 2.
  • Updated job descriptions for Board members and Committee Chairs will be submitted to the Board for approval.
  • The President will invite a representative from the Whatcom Land Trust to an upcoming Board meeting to share their strategies for fundraising and recruiting new members.
  • The Conservation Committee signed on to a national letter opposing attacks on environmental issues in the 2019 Appropriations Bill.
  • The Board voted to adopt a proposal to establish a fundraising goal of $11,000 to construct an elevated viewing platform/bird blind and interpretive signage for the Harrison Reserve project. This goal includes raising $5,500 from NCAS general membership and matching dollar for dollar up to $5,500 from NCAS reserve funds.  NCAS will continue to purse grants for this project.
  • A photo release will be added to our field trip liability release form.
  • The Board voted to co-sponsor a Candidate Forum with RESources for Sustainable Communities for three Whatcom County positions on the November 2018 ballot. These positions are: County Council at Large, Public Utility District #1 Commissioner and County Prosecutor.  The Forum is planned for October (date TBA).

August Board Minutes

Summary of NCAS Board Meeting:  August 6, 2018 The Board met at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship from 7 to 9 pm on August 6 and took the following actions and/or discussed the following issues: 

  • Sue confirmed that, as previously approved by the Board, $40,000 of our reserves was converted into two 2-year Certificates of Deposit at WECU with a 2.75% rate of return. The Board voted to approve converting an additional $10,000 of reserves to a 1-year Certificate of Deposit with a 1.75% rate of return.
  • This year’s Audubon Council of Washington annual meeting will take place on October 13 at the Brightwater Center in Woodinville. The agenda includes a 5 Minute Success Story during which Robert will speak about the recent ORV proposal by the Department of Natural Resources and Pam will speak about our Native Plants for Birds presentations.
  • The Education Committee is continuing their work on the Endangered Species Artist Project and is working with various artists and other interested parties to promote the project.
  • Eagle presentations are scheduled at local libraries. Volunteers are needed to staff an Audubon table at these events.
  • The Board voted to support the petition being circulated by local citizens continuing the current prohibition of ORV use on forested lands in Whatcom County. The Board agreed to make an active effort to engage our membership in supporting the petition once the County publishes the report paid for by the ORV group (expected sometime in 2019).
  • The restructured DNR Recreation Plan allowing for only non-motorized use on DNR forested lands in Whatcom County has been released and is closer to being adopted.
  • The Conservation Committee is continuing to develop a strategy to inspire homeowners and other stakeholders in the Semiahmoo IBA to protect and provide stewardship for this important habitat.
  • The Seattle Audubon Chapter is moving forward with a proposal to expand their Puget Sound Seabird Surveys northward from Deception Pass to Blaine. A training session for volunteers on both the survey protocol and oil spill response will take place on September 20 from 5:30-7:30 pm at Birch Bay State Park.
  • Steven will put together a summary of the Harrison Reserve project and a proposal for a fundraising goal for the Board to consider.
  • It is planned that our new website will go live before the first membership meeting in September.
  • The Board voted to approve May 30-June 2 for the 2019 NCAS campout at Pearrygin Lake State Park.
  • The Board voted to introduce a short bird of the month segment (i.e., photo, song/call, preferred habitat, unique behavior, etc.) at the start of each membership meeting, beginning in September. Initially birds will be chosen from the list of the 26 birds selected for the Endangered Species Artists Project.
  • The Board discussed the possibility of offering two new classes to the public: Introduction to Birding and Beginning Birding.  The Education Committee will follow up with Paul and Pam.
  • The idea of establishing a backyard bird habitat certification program (similar to the current program run by the Audubon Society of Portland and the Columbia Land Trust) was introduced. The Board discussed several potential aspects of such a program. The Education Committee will follow up.

July Board Minutes

North Cascades Audubon SocietyBoard of Directors Meeting MinutesHome of Steven Harper and Sue ParrottJuly 2, 2018, 7:00 pm Board Members Present: Steven Harper, Paul Woodcock, Sue Parrott, Chris Brewer, Owen Bamford, Robert Kaye and Deborah Kaye. Advisory Board Members Present:  Pam Borso, Steve Irving, Judy Krieger, Rae Edwards, Kirsten Anderson, Anne Ziomkowski  and Lynne Givler.  Guest: Helene Irving and Milt Krieger Pam welcomed all to the meeting and thanked Steven and Sue for hosting. 

  1. Installation of Officers – The following officers were installed into office: Steven Harper - President, Jamie Huson - Vice President, Deborah Kaye – Secretary, Sue Parrott - Treasurer

Steven thanked Pam and Paul for their five years of service as President and Vice President (respectively). Steven expressed special thanks to Pam for recruiting new members and bringing new energy and programs to the Board. Pam is now our Volunteer Coordinator and Paul Woodcock is our Field Trips Coordinator. 

  1. Additions to the Agenda – none

 

  1. Approval of May Minutes – Approved with minor corrections to some event dates.

 

  1. Treasurer’s Report

Sue reviewed the Treasurer’s Report noting that membership revenue is going well and that we are ahead of where we were this time last year.  Member donations were projected at $800 and we are already at $1,000. The Education Committee is slightly over budget due to increased copy expenses for materials for our Native Plants for Birds presentations.  Scholarships were dispersed to three students. 

  1. Communications
  • Submissions for the September newsletter are due August 15th.
  • Audubon at the Museum – Events are scheduled for July 22nd, August 26th (Sue and Steven), and September 23rd. Volunteers are still needed for July 22nd and September 23rd.  Pam will try to obtain volunteers for all open dates.
  • Farmer’s Market – July 28th and August 25th. Pam has three volunteers scheduled each day. At Kirsten’s suggestion, Pam will have NCAS membership applications available at the market.
  • This year’s ACOW will take place on October 13, 2018 at the Brightwater Center, Woodinville, WA
  • Update on Harrison Reserve Grant – Unfortunately, we did not receive either the Cornell or the Audubon grants for this project. Steven contacted Audubon for feedback about our submission.  The response was that we had a strong proposal.  They suggested that in future grant proposals, we try to include strategies for leveraging the use of grant monies to increase membership and involvement in our chapter.  Audubon may offer another round of grants in the fall.  A discussion followed about the possibility of organizing a fundraising campaign among members to raise money for a specific aspect of the Harrison Reserve project, such as a bird blind or classroom birding kit.  It was also suggested that our chapter could offer matching donations for the campaign from bequests to the Education fund. Steven proposed continuing our discussion of a special fundraising campaign at the August board meeting.

    

  1. Committee Reports as needed
  • Education Committee: In collaboration with the Whatcom Museum’s upcoming exhibit on endangered species, Chris is in the process of identifying local artists and asking them to create bird themed ornaments for our NCAS tree that will be on display at the museum during their annual holiday tree event.  A list of 25 endangered birds will be provided to participating artists.  Eagle presentations have been scheduled in the fall at four libraries.  Associated field trips to view eagles are in the planning stage.  Pam has given eight Native Plants for Birds presentations to groups at libraries, garden clubs and nurseries and has two additional talks scheduled during August.  Deborah has established Audubon Plants for Birds – Native Plant Nursery Partnerships with seven local nurseries.  Pam has also led several plants and birds walks at state and county parks.  Birds and Brews was a huge success!
  • Conservation Committee: Local groups who oppose a proposed change in the county ordinance to allow use of ORVs on forested lands in the county have requested NCAS’s help with their petition drive to collect signatures in opposition to the proposal.  It was determined that the Board will discuss the actions NCAS might take in support of the petition at our August board meeting.  The Conservation Committee met to discuss strategies for raising awareness regarding the Important Bird Area at Semiahmoo Spit.  The Committee will consider different options including engaging with homeowner’s associations and the resort.  Seattle Audubon has received a grant to expand its monthly bird surveys to include sites in Whatcom County.  Robert, Steven and Pam participated in a conference call with Toby Ross of the Seattle Audubon and John Bower, WWU professor, and Eleanor Hines regarding the logistics of the program.  Further discussions are planned to determine how best to expand the bird surveys in Whatcom County.  John and Toby will compare the protocols of the current bird surveys in the Cherry Point Aquatic Reserve area with those of the Seattle Audubon surveys to work towards a protocol that can be used for all of the surveys. 
  • Governance Committee: Sue will follow up with Nicole and Jamie and report at our August meeting.
  • Membership Committee: Owen and Kirsten will discuss strategies to increase membership, especially among young people, and they will review resources on the Audubon National website.

 

  1. Old Business
  • Web Page: Updates are needed to our current website.  Steven will remind Jamie about updates and to share a non-live version of new website with Board members.
  • National Audubon Membership List Event: This item will be moved to the August meeting agenda.

  

  1. New Business
  • Whatcom Land Trust Pickford Ad: The Whatcom Land Trust is currently showing an ad at the Pickford Theater and would like to include a photo and information about NCAS in their ad as a way of highlighting our two organizations’ partnership and cooperative efforts with the community.  The Board agreed to provide a suitable photo and/or logo, etc. to the WLT for inclusion in their ad. The deadline for the photo is August 1st.  Steven will follow up with a suitable photo.
  • Photo Release: It was suggested that we add a photo release to our field trip liability release form.
  • Possible NCAS Presence at Jane Goodall’s Presentation. Western Washington University is hosting a presentation by Jane Goodall at the Mount Baker Theatre on October 8th. It may be possible to have an NCAS table at the event. Chris will follow up.

    Programs & EventsSeptember 25:  George Divoky: Black Guillemots of Cooper Island, Whatcom MuseumOctober 6, 2 PM:  Eagle Program at South Whatcom LibraryOctober 23:  Richard Gammon: Global Climate Change: Impacts in the Pacific NW and Salish Sea, Whatcom MuseumNovember 3 at 3 pm:  Eagle Program at Deming LibraryNovember 10 at 1 pm:  Eagle Program at Blaine LibraryNovember 17 at 2 pm:  Eagle program at Ferndale LibraryNovember 27:  Fenner Yarborough:  Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in Washington State, Whatcom MuseumDecember 10:  Holiday Party, YWCADecember 16:  CBC and Potluck, Downtown Coop (Community Connections Room)January 29, 2019:  Maria Ruth: Rare Bird: Pursuing the Mystery of the Marbled Murrelet, Whatcom Museum        Adjourn - Next Meeting:  August 6, 2018. 7 to 9 pm Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth, Bellingham.    

Birds of Prey at the Pickford November 3 and 4 at 2:15 PM

The Philippine Eagle is a bird of extremes. It's the world's largest and rarest eagle, found only in the Philippines. Fewer than 800 individuals remain today, and the future of these iconic raptors and of untold number of other species is tied to the fate of the Philippine's last fragments of old growth forest.If you didn’t have a chance to see Bird of Prey October 3 at the Pickford Film Center in Bellingham I encourage you to make an effort to see it on Saturday afternoon November 3, 2018 or November 4, 2018 at 2:15 pm and get reserved tickets. The showing was sold out and everyone thought it was an amazing film about the Philippine Eagle and the efforts to save it in the Philippines. 

Go see the film and see amazing footage of the largest eagle in the world.Steven Harper, President North Cascades Audubon Society
Saturday November 3 and Sunday November 4, 2018>  Showtime: showtime: 2:15 PM
Bird of Prey // Presented by The North Cascades Audubon Society

Planting Party Harrison Reserve October 27, 9 AM to Noon

Planting Party – Harrison ReserveMake a Difference Day - Saturday, October 27 (9 AM – Noon)This ~5-acre piece of land is tucked away in the foothills of Sumas Mountain along Kendall Creek. Whatcom land Trust and North Cascades Audubon Society are partnering to inter-plant beneficial shrubs and trees for wildlife in the young riparian forest. In the coming years, this site will undergo ecological restoration while creating an outdoor educational site for kids. Join us to learn more!Directions: Take Mt. Baker Hwy (SR 542) east past Deming and Welcome. At the roundabout in Kendall, take the second exit toward Sumas (SR 547). Parking will be available on the west end of the Kendall Elementary School Parking lot, in which you will then walk ~500 feet to the site down Eason Road.Please contact jennifer@whatcomlandtrust.org at the Whatcom Land Trust to join in. 

Wings and Wine at The Vault in Blaine! New Field trip

Please join the North Cascades Audubon Society for "Wings and Wine."  Saturday, November 17, 2018.  No registration required. Meet at 2:00 p.m., rain or shine, at the Semiahmoo County Park located on Semiahmoo Spit for a guided birding walk along beautiful Boundary Bay and Drayton Harbor. Birders and interested friends of all experience levels are welcome.  We will spend about 1.5 hours viewing and learning about these amazing local and transient winter birds. Those interested will then make the short drive over to The Vault, a lovely wine bar located at 277 G Street, in Blaine, Washington in time for happy hour, to taste some great wines and share lively "bird talk" (they also serve craft beer, non-alcoholic beverages and have a nice menu for those interested).

October Events and Newsletter Are Online

October 2018 Newsletter is Online

     Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.org to download the PDF. (Click "Newsletter" in the menu.)

October Events and Field Trips Are Online

    Visit our website to see what's coming up this month. 

 

General Membership Meeting with Dr. Richard H. Gammon

     This month's exciting membership meeting! 

Global Climate Change: Impacts in the Pacific Northwest and Salish Sea. Global climate change will bring major changes to the Pacific Northwest, both on the land and in the coastal and marine environments. Dr. Richard H. Gammon will summarize these projected impacts, drawing on the published work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the latest National Climate Assessment (2017/2018), and the Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington. The primary focus of the presentation will be on the marine environment.  He will address potential impacts including ocean acidification, sea-level rise, toxic algal blooms, changes in species diversity and the proliferation of invasive species. The global predictions of changing temperature and precipitation will be addressed at the Pacific Northwest regional scale with discussion of implications for agriculture, water resources, snowpack, and forest health.Dr Richard H. Gammon is Professor (Emeritus) of Chemistry and Oceanography, and Adjunct Professor (Emeritus) of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Washington. He is a former Co-Director of the UW Program on the Environment.  Richard received his BA in Chemistry from Princeton University, and his MA and PhD in Physical Chemistry from Harvard University. He was a co-author of the first Scientific Assessment by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.  As Chief of the Carbon Dioxide Program, he directed the U.S. program to globally monitor atmospheric CO2. His research has emphasized the measurement and interpretation of atmospheric trace gases critical to climate change.  He is actively involved in improving the understanding of the climate change challenge with frequent public talks.

Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month:October 23, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!

Become part of a new citizen science project!

Become part of a new citizen science project!
 
Puget Sound Seabird Survey Expands to the Canadian Border
By Toby Ross, Seattle Audubon Society
 
Note: Training on the survey protocol will be provided at Birch Bay State Park on Thursday, September 20, from 5:30-7:30pm.
 
Seattle Audubon’s Science Program will expand the Puget Sound Seabird Survey (PSSS) northward from Deception Pass to Blaine, including the San Juan Islands. However, what’s different about this project expansion is that we’ll also be creating an accompanying oil spill action plan that will be used when an oil spill occurs that impacts the U.S. waters of the Salish Sea. With the increase in oil transport traffic via rail and tanker, and the oil refineries in Anacortes, Bellingham and Ferndale, without being too sensational, it’s not a matter of if an oil spill occurs, but when. Therefore, we need an action plan that we can use in those circumstances.
The project has been in contact with North Cascades Audubon John Bower at Western Washington University,
The surveyors who already conduct the Cherry Point surveys will help us at those sites, but if anyone else would like to help us with surveys at other sites along the coast, we’d be delighted to have you join us. Training on the survey protocol will be provided at Birch Bay State Park on September 20, from 5:30-7:30pm. In addition to the survey protocol training, we’ll be adding an additional oil spill training for all volunteers – those who will survey the 20 new sites, as well as those who already survey the 122 established survey sites. The oil spill training will focus on what to do in the event of an oil spill, including conducting an ad-hoc seabird survey, and reporting on observed oil on the water and beach at the survey sites.
Please reach out to Toby Ross, Senior Science Manager tobyr@seattleaudubon.org with further questions or to take part.
 

September Newsletter and Events Are Online

September 2018 Newsletter is Online

     Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.orgto download the PDF. (Click "Newsletter" in the menu.)

September Events and Field Trips Are Online

    Visit our website to see what's coming up this month. Check back for summer events.

General Membership Meeting with George Divoky

     This month's exciting membership meeting! 

Four Decades of Change: An Arctic Seabird Struggles to Survive in a Warming World. Every summer since 1975, George Divoky has conducted research on Mandt’s black guillemot on Cooper Island off the coast of northern Alaska. Studying these birds has largely been a solitary venture for George. While the discovery and initial years of the study were part of governmental research related to oil development in northern Alaska, for the past four decades the work has been conducted with occasional grants and much personal dedication. Long-term studies, such as George’s, rarely can be conducted by the government, which typically focuses on immediate agency needs. Yet it is precisely this type of extended data set that is needed to monitor the long-term cycles and trends related to climate change and other atmospheric variation. The Arctic has experienced unprecedented warming in the last four decades and Divoky’s research documents how the resulting melt of snow and ice has affected a seabird population.  His study provides clear evidence of the reality of climate change along with detailed insights into the lives of birds coping with a rapidly changing environment. George Divoky is the founder of Friends of Cooper Island and serves as its director in collaboration with a governing board. George has been studying seabirds in Arctic Alaska since 1970 and holds a Ph.D. from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Please join us for an evening of research stories and amazing photos in the remote Arctic!

Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month:September 25, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!

 

2018 Elected Officers

Thank you to our members for electing the next NCAS officers at the May membership meeting!President- Steven HarperVice President- Jamie HusonSecretary- Deborah KayeTreasurer- Sue Parrott 

COASST Marine Debris program training!

Beachwatchers wanted forcoastal observation and seabird survey team (coasst) On August 25th from 11:00am to 5:00pm, the Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) will deliver a free training session in Blaine, WA for citizens interested in surveying for marine debris. The COASST Marine Debris program is focused on the intersection of science, conservation, and communities. Rather than simply identifying debris, the program characterizes it and measures its abundance in particular zones of the beach.The training session will be held at Lions Camp Horizon (7506 Gemini St Blaine, WA 98230) and is free. There will be a short break in the middle of the session for lunch, so please bring your own sack lunch, or money to purchase food in the area. Volunteers need NO prior experience with scientific data collection, just a commitment to survey a specific beach at least once a month.Reserve your training spot by calling COASST at 206-221-6893 or by emailing coasst@uw.edu.  For more information on COASST visit coasst.org 

May Newsletter and Events Are Online

May 2018 Newsletter is Online

     Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.orgto download the PDF. (Click "Newsletter" in the menu.)

The next newsletter issue will be September, 2018.

May Events and Field Trips Are Online

    Visit our website to see what's coming up this month. Check back for summer events.

Mark your calendar: 2018 Annual NCAS Campout at Pearrygin Lake State Park, from May 31 through June 3. Please see newsletter and calendar for reservation details.

General Membership Meeting with Connie Sidles

     This month's exciting membership meeting! 

Avian Evolution: How Birds Got to Be Birds. Master birder and author Connie Sidles takes you back in time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth and nature began to experiment with a new approach to flight- birds. Exciting new fossils of extraordinary detail are being found in northeast China, dating back to the time when dinosaurs began to evolve into birds. Both strange and wondrous, these creatures - and others being discovered all over the world - open our eyes to the ways that evolution has shaped the biome and the birds that we enjoy today.Constance Sidles is a former member of Seattle Audubon’s board, and current chair of Seattle Audubon’s Conservation Committee. She acquired her degree in Egyptology from the University of Chicago, where she also studied paleontology. Connie has written four books about nature and has published more than 500 articles on various topics. Recently she and her husband organized a “Jurassic Park” film fest at their house, where she was thrilled to see flying pterodactyls but disappointed there were no proto-birds in these documentaries. All kidding aside, the real fossils being unearthed now are truly exciting and wondrous. Come and share them with Connie.

Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month:May 22nd, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!

 

2018 Officer Nominating Committee

The nominating committee has compiled the following list of members running for positions for the coming year:President- Steven HarperVice President- Jamie HusonSecretary- Pam BorsoTreasurer- Sue ParrottBe sure to attend the May membership meeting to vote for the next NCAS Officers.You may vote for a write-in entry if you have someone else in mind for a position.

NCAS Conservation News

Conservation News: Legislative Roundup from Olympia and BeyondThe following is a summary of an article by Pam Borso that’s available in its entirety on the NCAS website. Pam drew on information from various Audubon and Sierra Club sources, and from the Washington Post for the information on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Local News 

  1. Whatcom Council rejects DNR’s proposed plan for motorized trails in commercial forests: East County residents and environmentalists turned out in force to the Whatcom County Council meeting on February 27 to oppose the Washington State Department of Natural Resources’(DNR’s) motorized trail system proposal. The Council unanimously voted to remove the proposal from their 2018 work docket. The DNR was requesting a zoning change on their lands to allow for the development of motorized trails on DNR’s Commercial Forest-zoned lands in Whatcom County, in particular on Sumas and Red Mountains. This proposal would directly affect habitat set aside by DNR for marbled murrelets. This is an ongoing process and for now has been stopped, but all members are encouraged to monitor the progress.  See the DNR’s Baker to Bellingham Recreation Plan on their website for more details.

 

  1. Whatcom County Council extends moratorium on certain fossil fuel projects at Cherry Point:The Council extended an interim moratorium on new permits for shipment of unrefined fossil fuels at Cherry Point for another six months. The extension will give the Council time to study their options outlined in a report which was presented by the Cascadia Law Group at the February 27 Council meeting. The Council will contract with Cascadia to help them draft County code changes in the next few months.

 Washington State News 

  1. In this year’s short session we did get some good things accomplished. After much hard work, the Legislature passed HB 2957 which phases out all non-native fish net pen farming in our State by 2025. It passed both the House and Senate and was signed by the Governor.
  2. Oil transport spill prevention was improved by passage of SB 6269, which extends the oil tax per barrel to include oil in pipelines. This helps fund spill prevention work at the Department of Ecology.
  3. Despite great efforts no progress was made on addressing climate change even after the introduction of two separate bills. The oil industry and utility lobbies were working in full force. We may have a chance to revisit this later if I-1631 is placed on the ballot for voter approval.
  4. The Washington Department of Ecology has issued a tentative determinationto deny the permit for use of the insecticide imidacloprid in Willapa Bay and Grays Harbor. This is a tremendous victory for our coastal estuaries and the birds and fish that rely on them. Oyster growers have been using pesticides to control native ghost and mud shrimp since the early 1960’s. Audubon Washington has been working to oppose pesticide use and advocate for a stronger consideration of potential impacts to the broader ecosystem since 2014, when the permit process for use of imidacloprid (the grower’s preferred replacement for carbaryl) was first underway.

 Federal News 

  1. Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) Reinterpreted. From the Washington Post: In an opinion issued Wednesday April 11, 2018 to federal wildlife police who enforce the rule, the Interior Department said “the take [killing] of birds resulting from an activity is not prohibited by the Migratory Bird Treaty Actwhen the underlying purpose of that activity is not to take birds.” For example, the guidance said, a person who destroys a structure such as a barn knowing that it is full of baby owls in nests is not liable for killing them. “All that is relevant is that the landowner undertook an action that did not have the killing of barn owls as its purpose,” the opinion said.

            The MBTA will no longer apply even after a catastrophic event such as the Deepwater Horizon or Exxon Valdez oil spill that destroyed or injured up to a million birds. After an oil spill, Interior would pursue penalties under the Natural Resources Damage Assessment program that is not specific to birds. In the past, “the department has pursued MBTA claims against companies responsible for oil spills that incidentally killed or injured migratory birds. That avenue is no longer available.” This law was enacted in 1918 after several species of common birds became extinct; the Audubon Society and other organizations named 2018 the Year of the Bird in honor of the MBTA’s centennial. The new interpretation reverses decades of action by Republican and Democratic administrations to protect the animals as they migrate to and from their nesting grounds.            Ultimately, this means that the 950 species of birds not covered under the ESA or Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act would be left with fewer or no protections, from backyard birds like the Baltimore oriole, to raptors like American kestrels and red-tailed hawks, waterbirds like the great blue heron and great egret, waterfowl like blue-winged teal and wood ducks, along with the great horned owl, sandhill crane, wood thrush, and hundreds more. Conserving these species proactively due to MBTA protections reduces the likelihood for ESA listings. While important progress has been made in rescuing birds from the brink, now is not the time to roll back vital protections. The MBTA is needed now as much as ever, and Audubon urges opposition to any effort that undermines America’s cornerstone bird conservation law.            We urge you to contact your Representatives and Senators to strongly oppose the administration’s position and any legislative effort that would weaken the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. 

  1. Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)in danger: The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) has protected birds and the places they need in every state and nearly every county for over 50 years. LWCF conserves our natural heritage, local parks, areas of cultural and historical significance, and provides recreational opportunities across the country.

Every state in the country has benefited from LWCF. For every dollar invested in federal land acquisition through LWCF, there is a return of $4 in economic value. Since 1964, the fund has helped conserve more than 5 million acres of public lands throughout the United States like national parks, national forests, and national recreation areas. October 2018 marks the potential expiration of one of the country’s oldest and most important conservation programs.            To defend America’s conservation legacy, we urge members of Congress to support permanent reauthorization for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) by cosponsoring H.R.502/S.569. With your support, LWCF can remain a critical piece for the protection of natural landscapes and outdoor spaces that serve as habitat for birds and opportunities for recreation across the country.             Please contact your Representatives and Senators, and urge your family and friends from other states to contact theirs as well, about the MBTA and LWCF.

April Board Minutes

North Cascades Audubon Society Minutes Board of Directors Meeting1207 EllsworthApril 2, 20187:00 PM Board Members Present: Pam Borso, Paul Woodcock, Steven Harper, Sue Parrott, Nicole Huson, Jamie Huson, Chris Brewer, Robert Kaye, Kirsten Anderson, Judy Krieger 

  1. Additions to Agenda – added below.
  2. Approval of February Minutes – approved as written.
  3. Treasurer’s Report – Sue noted that there was one small mistake on the worksheet in banking fees. It will be corrected in the next report. We seem to be getting more donations possibly because of our presentations and notices for renewal.

  

  1. Committee Reports as needed

Vote on and welcome new board members – The board voted to have Kirsten and Robert join as board members. Board and governance committee: Nicole described the process for creating and revising all board position descriptions.  There are a few more comments and edits and she will send the draft final versions out one last time before the board is asked to approve them.    Nicole has created a draft welcome packet for new board members and it will be sent out to new board members once reviewed and approved.  Sue led a discussion on discrepancies in the bylaws in regards to who is officially a board member and how they are chosen. It is not clear according to the bylaws whether advisory board members are voting members.  However, the practices are that all persons acting as committee chairs have been considered to be full voting board members. We have a number of open Board Committee Chair positions.  It was recommended and agreed to by the board that Robert will be Conservation chair, Pam will be Volunteer Coordinator chair, Kirsten will be Publicity chair and Paul will be Field Trip chair.  Pam will follow up with Annie to make sure she can continue as Hospitality Chair with the responsibilities as noted in the draft position description. Education update: (see attached committee report) The native plants and birds programs have been very successful and a number of organizations have requested additional programs. We now have great materials for nurseries and for the general public and Deborah Kaye is working with the nurseries to distribute handouts. Birds and Brew is scheduled for May 19th and the committee will be attempting to expand the event to include additional dates and locations. Next committee meeting is April 9. Scholarship committee update – The scholarship announcement has now been released and we are waiting for applicants. Nicole has distributed the necessary materials to WWU. Website update: Website Review, Membership software, Google Docs – Jamie is working on the web page and needs a high resolution picture to place on the website of all board members. Any other public digital documents should be sent to Jamie for placement on the website.  The new website will be going live very soon. Nominating committee update – The slate proposed for next year (staring June 2018)  includes Steven Harper for President, Jamie Huson as Vice-President, Pam Borso as Secretary and Sue Parrott as Treasurer.  The board agreed to extend Sue’s term for another year. Paul will present this slate to the May membership meeting for a vote. Program report – Steven reported on upcoming programs and noted that the Sept – January programs will all be related to the Endangered Species programming scheduled by the Whatcom Museum.    

  1. Communications & Input 

State board changes and State and National Funding channels – Pam described the work that Jenn Syrowitz of WA Audubon has done in the past 5 years and noted that she is leaving to become Exec. Director of Washington Wildlife Federation.  Allan Gibbs, Regional Representative, is coming to the next board meeting to get our feedback on Jenn’s  position. Newsletter input due April 15 for May; It has been suggested that we include a “Year of the Bird” article.Audubon at the museum April 22 (Sue), May 27(Pam).At a later board meeting the board will discuss criteria for sending out time sensitive, environment related issues email messages to members.  It was noted that NCAS lacks clear policy on many issues and that at some point in the future the Board may want to develop policies.  It was suggested that we keep a list of issues that arise that would benefit from a NCAS Board policy.VARC field trip for Board members: Steven will organize the carpooling for the May 6 event.Audubon table: What’s the Point: Whatcom Land Trust – We will host a table at this event on June 16.NW Region 1 meeting will be at Padilla Bay from 10-2 pm on April 21.  All board members are welcome.2018 Audubon State Chapter gathering will be somewhere in the Seattle area on May 19ACOW October 13, 2018, Brightwater Center, Woodinville, WA.  There will be more details later.      

  1. Old Business

Duck sign for City of Bellingham:  No update as Rae is traveling.Cornell/ Whatcom Land Trust/ Audubon Grant collaboration on: Harrison property, Kendall: No news until April 30 

  1. New Business

Audubon Grants available – There are grants from Audubon ($1,000 - $25,000) available for chapter efforts. There is specific criteria associated with these grants and we will potentially pursue a grant for the WLT Harrison property project and for working with WWU birding club to establish an associated college program.  Education Committee will follow up at their meeting.    

  1. Programs & Events

April 8: Family Bird Walk: Scudder Pond/Whatcom Falls 9:30April 14: Native Plants and Birds: Deming Library 3-4 April 17: Native Plants and Birds Ferndale Garden Club 11:30-1:30April 21: NW Regional Meeting at Padilla Bay 10:00-2:00 pmApril 24:  Dan Streiffert: Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Whatcom MuseumApril 28: Backyard Habitat and Native Flora Fair/ WNPS Plant SaleMay 19: Birds and Brews at 3 pm at Stones Throw BreweryMay 22: Connie Sidles; Bird Evolution, Whatcom MuseumMay 31- June 3: Pearrygin Lake CampoutJune 16: What’s the Point tabling at Point Whitehorn 10:30-3:00pmSeptember 25: George Divoky: Black Guillemots of Cooper Island, Whatcom MuseumOctober 23: Richard Gammon: Global Climate Change: Impacts in the Pacific NW and Salish Sea, Whatcom MuseumNovember 27: Fenner Yarborough: Threatened and Endangered Wildlife in Washington State, Whatcom MuseumDecember 10: Holiday Party, YWCADecember 16: CBC Potluck, Downtown Coop (Community Connections Room)January 29, 2019: Maria Ruth: Rare Bird: Pursuing the Mystery of the Marbled Murrelet, Whatcom Museum        Adjourn - Next Meeting: May 7, 2018. 7 to 9 PM Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship 1207 Ellsworth Bellingham.  Education  ReportApril 2018 Education Committee met on January 31 and will meet again April 9th. Joining us is Kristen Fredericks Murray! Completed Education ProgramsNative Plants and BirdsPrograms have been successfully presented at the Blaine, South Whatcom and Ferndale libraries (March 3, 10, 24) as well as at the March membership meeting. Thanks, Pam! The program is getting Audubon out in many areas to share some excellent resources and info. Roz Spitzer has done a terrific job helping to get some local materials completed. Thanks too, to those who helped out tabling: Deborah, Gayle (Stebbings), Kristen Murray. Upcoming Education ProgramsApril:Family Bird Walk: Chris Brewer and Gayle Stebbings will be leading the walk-through Scudder Pond and Whatcom Falls Park to Darby Pond Native Plants and Birds.April presentations include the Ferndale Garden Club, Master Gardeners and Deming Library as well as having materials at the Backyard Habitat and Native Flora Fair on April 28. May Birds and BrewsMay 19, 3 pm at Stones Throw Brewery. New and Upcoming Program Planning Youth ProgramPaul Woodcock and Chris Brewer will be sharing ideas at our upcoming meeting about engaging local youth and offering an opportunity in 2019 that encourages teen / young adult birding. Bald Eagle Interpretive ProgramChris Brewer is leading the development of a fall program for educational presentations and bald eagle field trips on the Nooksack. Anyone interested in leading a trip between late November and the end of December contact Chris. Endangered Species Programming and Holiday TreeSteven Harper has been locating a fall presenter on endangered species. Chris is looking for someone to research endangered/threatened birds (mostly from State of the Bird Report!) to identify birds to highlight in the Holiday Tree as well as someone to help contact artists for creating artwork for it.

March Newsletter and Events Are Now Online

March 2018 Newsletter is Online

     Go to www.northcascadesaudubon.org to download the PDF. (Click "Newsletter" in the menu.)

 

March Events and Field Trips Are Online

    Visit our website to see what's coming up this month. 

 

General Membership Meeting with Pam Borso and Rae Edwards

     This month's exciting membership meeting! 

Landscaping for Wildlife. Discover how thousands of people across the nation are welcoming wildlife from butterflies to birds into their communities. Private citizens throughout our state have made Washington the leader in this movement, creating wildlife habitat in their yards, school grounds, parks and even business landscapes. NCAS President Pam Borso and Bellingham Parks Volunteer Coordinator Rae Edwards will share ways to enhance or create landscapes using native plants to support birds and other wildlife. Making room for wildlife creates more livable and enjoyable communities for citizens of all species!

Always on the 4th Tuesday of the month:March 27th, 7pm at the Whatcom Museum,** free & open to the public!

 

2018 Officer Nominating Committee

Officer nominations for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer must be submitted by April 15 to be published in the May newsletter issue. If you are interested in these positions, or want to nominate someone else, please contact Steven Harper who is coordinating the 2018 nominating committee at secretary@northcascadesaudubon.org.Nominating committee members:Steven Harper, Paul Woodcock, Owen BamfordBe sure to attend the May membership meeting to vote for the next NCAS Officers.

Full Article from Newsletter: Spiva Butte

Creating a Nature Preserve in Central Washington or A Conservation “Field of Dreams”By Ferdi Businger A little over five years ago I made a trip to central Washington to look at a large piece of property that was listed for sale. It was more an excuse to go on a road trip than any serious intention to buy a 1000- acre “rattlesnake ranch” as one friend later dubbed it. Nevertheless, the realtor Mike Jernquist insisted on driving five hours to show me the land. As we walked it, I asked him jokingly how much he had paid the hawks, ducks, and herons to put on a good show for me that day. He laughed. Needless to say, it was love at first sight and this magic place, having called me, now owned me.To understand what a stretch it was to buy this land, one should know I had no money in the bank, but owned two properties on Sinclair Island, which included my primary residence - a beach cabin I had built. So I needed to borrow money for the down payment, and then to sell almost everything I owned to make it work.In spite of my lifelong interest in conservation (I was on the board of the San Juan Preservation Trust for eight years) I did not initially set out to create a wildlife preserve. I had no idea what I was walking into when I bought the property. I didn’t know it was prime sage grouse habitat or even that sage grouse were a threatened species. I didn’t know that the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife had tried to buy it years earlier, and that the Nature Conservancy had also expressed an interest. All I knew was that this was an exquisite landscape, appealing first and foremost to my aesthetic sensibilities.After I had taken the plunge, one of the first people to contact me was Michael Brown who worked with Pheasants Forever and the US Department of Agriculture. He was interested in applying for grants to do wetland restoration work on the property. About the same time I reached out to the Foster Creek Conservation District and its Director at the time, Jon Merz, and to the US Fish & Wildlife’s Wenatchee office where a friend of mine, Tim McCracken, worked. I also contacted the Chelan Douglas Land Trust. Tours of the property followed. There was enormous enthusiasm for protecting this land and I was easily convinced that this was its highest use. More difficult was figuring out how to do it. I couldn’t just donate it since most of my life savings were tied up in it.This is where a very good friend of mine and fellow conservationist, Valerie Tarico, stepped in. (Everyone needs such a friend!) Valerie and her husband, Brian Arbogast, offered to put up a $25,000 matching grant, and she offered to partner with me on the fundraising campaign. Early on it became clear to us that public funds were going to be hard to come by in this political climate, and that a private effort was our best hope. I also felt that the land might be in better hands if it was owned by a private land trust. Needless to say, Valerie’s encouragement provided the catalyst to move things forward.So where do things stand today? Wetland restoration work is mostly completed. A campaign is underway to raise money so that the Chelan Douglas Land Trust (CDLT) can buy 1000 acres, including Spiva Butte, a four-acre lake, three springs and riparian corridors. The plan is that CDLT will own the land in fee and the Foster Creek Conservation District will be given a conservation easement. They will then co-manage the property. I have also bought an additional 600 contiguous acres, most of which I would like to add to the preserve. That will require a second round of fundraising.As of today, we have raised half of the total $550,000 campaign cost, which includes the discounted cost of the land. (I have agreed to sell it for $44,000 less than I paid for it.) A very generous couple has donated the entire $180,000 stewardship cost and the CDLT has kicked in its staff costs to the tune of $20,000. We have also raised an additional $75,000 to date from private donors, including a $7000 donation from Conservation Northwest.So what does this property have to offer in the way of conservation? There are sage grouse leks on two adjacent properties. It is also used by sharp-tailed grouse. Sage thrashers are fairly common here. There is a resident great horned owl. Short-eared owls and northern harriers are often seen. A western king bird pair nests in the same aspen grove every spring. Pheasants and quail are common and mountain bluebirds are occasionally seen. Both the black-crowned night-heron and the great blue heron make use of the lake, in the company of duck species too numerous to list here. Beavers, badgers, porcupine, mule deer, jack rabbits, cottontail rabbits, and coyotes are just some of the mammals that have been seen. There is also a good population of pygmy short-horned lizards and western skinks. Snakes include wandering garter snakes, western yellow-bellied racers, great basin gopher snakes, and northern Pacific rattlesnakes. The top of Spiva Butte is a location where butterflies of several species do their “hill-topping”, a wonderful sight. And the wildflowers are epic.Since I’m an avid photographer, I’ve created a book, Spiva Butte Nature Preserve. Spiva Butte is the name of the high point on the property, a prominent hill that was named after the original homesteading family. I’m currently working on a second volume. And when the project is completed I will make a third and final volume and credit everyone who has donated to, and in other ways supported, this effort. I feel enormously grateful for all the help, both financial and moral, that this “field of dreams” has inspired. A big thank you to the entire conservation community, as well as to my ranching and wheat farming neighbors who have been most gracious in their support.

NCAS Board Minutes: February

North Cascades Audubon Society MinutesBoard of Directors Meeting1207 EllsworthFebruary 5, 20187:00 PM Board Members Present: Pam Borso, Paul Woodcock, Steven Harper, Sue Parrott, Rae Edwards, Owen Bamford, Nicole Huson, Jamie Huson, Chris Brewer, Kelley Palmer-McGee, Steve Irving  Guests Kirsten Anderson and Robert and Deborah Kaye were in attendance. The guests introduced themselves to the Board describing their past work and interest in being on the Board. Current Board members also introduced themselves. 

  1. Additions to Agenda – added below.
  2. Approval of January Minutes – approved as written.
  3. Treasurer’s Report – Sue explained some changes in categories in the working budget and asked for feedback from the Board. She will use the new categories and see how they work.

 

  1. Committee Reports as needed

Education update - Chris gave an update on the last committee meeting, including an update on the “Birds & Brew” event, Tech Soup (discounts for non-profits), sign-up and purchase of software, volunteer survey outreach results, and Native Plants and Birds programs.Native plants and birds educational program guide – Pam is working on this guide along with other materials to be distributed at select nurseries and at the educational programs this spring and in the future.Membership Committee update – Owen requested assistance and Jamie volunteered to assist in the new efforts to recruit new members and to increase donations to Audubon.Scholarship Committee update – Nicole met with Don Burgess, on sabbatical presently, and noted that he enjoys being the contact person and part of the grant process.  He works with students to help them improve their grant applications.   He suggested that the deadline be extended to May 15.  All of the materials will now be online, and the applications will be submitted online.Website update: Website review, membership software, Google Docs – Jamie continues to work on the new website.Nominating Committee – Steven, Paul and Owen volunteered to be on the nominating committee.Board Building and Governance – Nicole went through the main findings of the group that met to review the job descriptions of the different Board positions. The committee will meet again to fine tune and clarify all of the responsibilities for each position and to talk about Board structure in light of goals for this year and changes in Board composition.  Nicole will send out a doodle poll.

  1. Communications & Input

Board Resignations – Pam will write a thank you to the members that have resigned (Twink Coffman and Ken Salzman).Newsletter input due February 15 for March. Sue suggested that we include more educational articles rather than Board minutes in the newsletter.  The Board agreed to do that but also to continue to provide a summarized version of the minutes along with yearly accomplishments in the newsletter.  Kelley requested that Board members send her articles of interest to help fill the newsletter.4th Sundays at the Whatcom Museum - February 25(Steve Irving), March 25(Jamie and Nicole), April 22(Sue), May 27(Paul).  Sue will make sure there are NCAS brochures and Climate Ambassador cards at the museum.Provide bird feeding and seed type recommendation brochures to Wild Bird Chalet – Jamie will follow up. 

  1. Old Business

Meeting space determination for Board meetings -   The Board has shown a preference for the BUF space and we will plan on meeting at BUF in the future.  The cost will be $40 per meeting.Duck sign for City of Bellingham – The cost of the structural frame is approximately $700. Possible sites include Whatcom Falls Park Derby Pond, Bloedel Donovan Park, Lake Padden, and North Ridge Pond.  The Board agreed to fund one structural frame at Derby Pond and request that the City fund the sign to fit in the frame. Rae will lead the effort and coordinate with the City and others. Money will need to be added to the budget for this.  If this first sign is successful, the Board may consider fundraising with NCAS membership for more signs at other locations.  The Board emphasized that the sign should be educational and include information on the detriments of feeding ducks bread.Membership Meeting Structure – Discuss laterFarmer’s Market – Discuss laterHoliday Potluck – Tentatively scheduled for Monday, Dec. 10 and we have requested the YWCA meeting room.Intern Fair at Huxley – We will not participate this spring but will discuss and consider for next fall.CBC – The Community Room at the Downtown Coop has been reserved for Dec. 16, 2018 for the CBC Potluck.     

  1. New Business

Volunteer Appreciation program; how to implement and apply. – Discuss laterVARC field trip for Board members – Board members are interested, and Pam will request a May date.Cornell/ Whatcom Land Trust/ NCAS Grant collaboration on Harrison property, Kendall - Board approved a $1,000 match to the grant proposal being submitted to Cornell Labs for educational programs at Harrison property.    

  1. Programs & Events

    February 27: Membership meeting - Dick Mc Neely: Bird VideosMarch 3: Native Plants and Birds; Blaine Library 2-3March 10: Native Plants and Birds: Sudden Valley Library 2-3Wings Over Water Festival Booth and Bird Watching Stations: 10-4March 24: Whatcom Conservation District Plant Sale; Plants and Birds table 10-1?March 24: Native Plants and Birds: Ferndale Library 2-3March 27: Membership meeting – Pam Borso and Rae Edwards: Landscaping for WildlifeApril 8: Family Bird Walk: Scudder Pond/Whatcom Falls 9:30April 14: Native Plants and Birds: Deming Library 3-4 April 17: Native Plants and Birds: Ferndale Garden Club 11:30-1:30April 24: Membership meeting - Dan Streiffert: Arctic National Wildlife RefugeApril 28: Backyard Habitat and Native Flora Fair/ WNPS Plant SaleMay 22: Membership meeting - Constance Sidles: Avian Evolution: How Birds Got to Be Birds        Adjourn - Next Meeting: March 5, 2018; 7 to 9 PM at BUF 

Yakima River Canyon Bird Fest May 11-13, 2018

Come bird with KEEN for 3-days during the second weekend of May, 11th -13th, and discover the natural beauty of Central Washington State! The Yakima River Canyon is an Audubon Important Bird Area (IBA) with some of the highest densities of passerines and birds of prey in the State.The Yakima River Canyon Bird Fest will offer expert-led field trips, vendors, extended field trips, lectures and keynote speakers, social events and music, and a plethora of bird watching during early spring!”Find us online at: www.ycic.org/yakima-river-canyon-bird-fest