Members named to marine resources committee

Wahkiakum County residents this week appointed persons to form a county marine resources committee.

The committees are part of a program sponsored by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) to encourage community based stewardship of the coastline and its estuaries. The committees conduct citizen-driven marine science studies and protect and restore marine habitat.

They are set to receive funding of $40,000 every two years. Just over a year ago, commissioners agreed to form a council and appointed WSU Wahkiakum Extension Agent Carrie Kennedy to coordinate the effort. At a public meeting last November, citizens recommended going forward with the committee and suggested persons to serve on it.

Kennedy and commissioners worked on those recommendations in the intervening time, and this week, the board appointed the following to the Wahkiakum County Marine Resources Committee:

Representing local government--Cathlamet Mayor George Wehrfritz; Abe York of Port District 1 and Kayrene Gilbertsen of Port District 2.

Representing local residents--Carol Ervest, Westend, and George Exum, Puget Island.

Representing Scientific Experts--Joel David, US Fish and Wildlife Service; Rob Stockhouse, retired botany professor, and Pat Frazier Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife biologist.

Representing economic interests--Mike Backman, Mike Clark, Kent Martin, and, alternate, Dave Wahlstrom, all from the commercial fishing industry.

Representing recreational interests--kayaking guides Andrew Emlen and Mark Whitaker, and, alternate, Debbie Denny, Naselle High School.

Representing environmental and conservation interests--Jeff Rooklidge, Wahkiakum School District, and Jim Moten, Naselle School District.

County Commissioner Lisa M. Marsyla said that organizers are studying regulations to see if a county commissioner can serve on the board; if so, she will servea, and Commissioner Blair H. Brady will be the alternate.

The committee is accepting proposals for marine related projects in the county. Project proposals can be submitted by individuals, groups or organizations and should range between $200 and $14,000. Projects must occur between March 1 and June 30, 2011. For full consideration, proposals must be received by 6 p.m., February 8.

The committee has identified six areas for funding:

1. Fishermen promotion to help people understand commercial fishing and promote local seafood.

2. Manage invasive species.

3. We Want Clean Up--marine debris removal.

4. Economic Importance of Marine Resources in Our County.

5. Invest in Our Children Through Education--involve local school students in salmon and other marine resource education via hands-on opportunities

6. Community Education on Water Quality.

Priority will be given to projects that take a comprehensive approach, partner with other groups or projects, show sustainability and follow-up, leverage other resources, and contribute to the community’s economic health.

More information may be found in the legal notices section of this week's edition.