Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader
Wednesday, April 19, 2017 • A 11
It’s time to clean up the beaches Follows Earth Day screening of ‘A Plastic Ocean’ KIRK BOXLEITNER KBOXLEITNER@PTLEADER.COM Those interested in observing Earth Day this year can learn about the scope of ocean pollution before cleaning up the local coastline. “A Plastic Ocean” is slated to follow its April 13 showing in Port Angeles with another free screening on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22 at 3 p.m. in the Orca Exhibit classroom of the Port Townsend Marine Science Center at Fort Worden State Park. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is teaming up with Washington CoastSavers to present the award-winning documentary, which focuses on the more than 8 million tons of plastic that are dumped into the oceans each year. During its four-year production period, “A Plastic Ocean” was filmed in 20 locations around the world, documenting the global effects of plastic pollution on both marine life and human health, and offering technological and policy solutions. The screening is set to be followed by a panel discussion, also open to the public. Washington CoastSavers coordinator Jon Schmidt invited concerned residents to watch the screening before taking part in beach cleanups along the state’s coastline on Saturday, April 29.
IN JEFFERSON COUNT Y Cleanup plans include trash pickups on the beaches at Fort Worden, Fort Flagler and Fort Townsend state parks, as well as Railroad Beach, Chetzemoka Park and North Beach in Port
“On one morning in April of last year, over 1,400 volunteers came together to remove more than 20 tons of trash from at least 50 beaches during the Washington Coast Cleanup.” Jon Schmidt WASHINGTON COASTSAVERS COORDINATOR
Townsend. “On one morning in April of last year, over 1,400 volunteers came together to remove more than 20 tons of trash from at least 50 beaches, during the Washington Coast See BEACHES, page 12▼
Beaches in Jefferson County are due for a clean up on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22. The beach along Fort Worden State Park is one of the beaches people will be cleaning. Leader file photo
Climate march set for April 29 in PA PT, Jefferson County officials are featured speakers CHRIS TUCKER CTUCKER@PTLEADER.COM Jefferson County Commissioner Kate Dean and Port Townsend Mayor Deborah Stinson are featured speakers at a climate march taking place April 29 in Port Angeles. A safe climate and a prosperous clean-energy economy are the focuses of the march, set to be one of several taking place across the country, including in Washington, D.C., with dozens of sister marches around the world to send a message of resolve on climate, jobs and justice. Dean said the effects of climate change are already present on the North Olympic Peninsula, including impacts to the shorelines, more frequent and more extreme weather, disruptions to transportation, property damage, landslides and adverse effects to the economy.
The 2015 summer drought was an example of what area residents can expect more of in the future, Dean said, along with higher risks of forest fires, reduced water supply and adverse agricultural effects.
Kate Dean
say. Replacing older inefficient appliances with newer ones can also result in a lower carbon footprint. Dean said governments and individuals need to be smart about how they make use of waterfront property and also be careful about what kind of development is allowed at the waterfront. She also said it is important to prepare for emergencies so that people are more resilient when storms knock the power out or render roads and Deborah Stinson bridges impassable.
MARCH TIMING The march begins at 3 p.m. at the Port Angeles City Pier with a speaker to kick off the event. The march is to go through downtown Port Angeles, then return to the pier at 4 p.m., when speakers from across the peninsula are to speak about climate impacts, actions and opportunities in the region. To deal with climate change, people can take action to reduce their carbon footprint by making climate-friendlier choices regarding electricity use, food consumption, heating sources and fuel-efficient transportation, organizers
REPORT ON PENINSULA A report on how the North Olympic Peninsula can prepare for climate change, titled “Climate Change Preparedness Plan for the North Olympic Peninsula,” is available at noprcd.org/about2. It includes sea level rise maps that show the probability of sea level rise for 2030, 2050 and 2100. Speakers at the march include: Jon Preston, Forks City Council; Commissioner Dean; Chad Bowechop manager, See CLIMATE, page 12▼
April Special
It’s our 4th annual plant giveaway! Come in for your April appointment and receive a flower for your garden.
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Located behind Les Schwab on Sims Way, Port Townsend
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We are an ecological company that designs, builds, and maintains regenerative and resilient landscapes and settlements. At all scales, from broadacre farms and ranches to back yards, we specialize in edible landscaping, conservation, and restoration projects. Training and education is provided to our clients while designing and building elegant landscapes that are both enjoyable and provide food, health, and increase sustainability.
Serving the Olympic Peninsula from Port Townsend, WA savorylandscaping.com joshua@savorylandscaping.com Joshua Langevin 9360-302-1732 Book a free consult at www.savorylandscaping.com