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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWashington Coastal Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (WCRRI)• CoN�s�j Board of County Commissioners ¢5 co 0� 1820 Jefferson Street f4t, p w I A PO Box 1220 " Port Townsend, WA 98368 'S 0 4s1IING Kate Dean,District 1 Heidi Eisenhour,District 2 Greg Brotherton,District 3 June 6,2022 Review Committee, Washington Coastal Restoration and Resiliency Initiative(WCRRI), Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office Re: Letter of Support for WCRRI Project: #22-1313, Pulling Together in Restoration Phase 5 Dear Committee Members, The Jefferson Board of County Commissioners is pleased to provide a statement of local support for the 10,000 Years Institute's Pulling Together in Restoration—Phase 5 project for funding through the Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency Initiative(see attached Local Support Document). From the inception of WCRRI in 2015,the Pulling Together in Restoration(PTIR)has been crucial in providing persistent and continued protection for forest health,aquatic ecosystems,habitats,and climate resilience across the unique watersheds of west Jefferson County. Building on two decades of invasive plant prevention and control work in the Hoh River,PTIR contributes thousands of restoration hours to protect our forests,rivers,and agricultural lands from degradation by non-native Scotch broom,knotweed,reed canary grass,and toxic tansy ragwort. Employing and training local crews provides much needed jobs and skills development stewarding the natural resources that support our county and local economies. PTIR supports restoration projects across Jefferson County watersheds in Goodman Creek,the Hoh River,Upper Bogachiel,Queets,and Upper Quinault,reducing management cost, improving restoration success and resource productivity,augmenting Jefferson County programs including the Conservation District,Noxious Weed Board, Washington State University Cooperative Extension, and Public Works/Roads,and important planning projects including the Hoh Restoration and Resiliency Plan. Jefferson County roads carry visitors from around the globe to visit the unique Hoh,Queets,and Upper Quinault rainforests,rivers,and wild coastal beaches. With coordination between the Jefferson County Public Works staff and 10,000 Years Institute,these roads are models for weed-free transportation corridors. Healthy timber and weed- free rock resources provide revenues to support much-needed county services. Healthy habitats provide fish and wildlife enjoyed by recreational,hunting, and fishing enthusiasts,the Hoh Tribe,and for local subsistence—and all depend on healthy native plant communities,which need continuous persistent stewardship provided through the Institute's focused prevention and control work. Funding PTIR will enable the Institute to continue services and education to the local community as a valuable partner to Jefferson County and many others in restoration and resiliency on the coast. Sincerely, Jefferson my Commissioners Kat ean Heidi Eisenhour, Chair Greg Brotherton District 1 District 2 District 3 Phone (360) 385-9100 Fax (360) 385-9382 jeffbocc@co.jefferson.wa.us WASHINGTON COAST RESTORATION AND RESILIENCY INITIATIVE LOCAL SUPPORT DOCUMENT The intent of this form is to document support by a local organization for a project being proposed for funding through the Washington Coast Restoration and Resiliency Initiative (WCRRI). Project Name: #22-1313, Pulling Together in Restoration—Phase 5 Project Sponsor: 10,000 Years Institute—Jill Silver Supporting Organization: Jefferson County Board of County Commissioners Signing Representative: Heidi Eisenhour, Board Chair Title: District 2 Commissioner Contact Information: HEisenhour@co.lefferson.wa.us (360) 385-9100 1820 Jefferson Street, PO Box 1220, Port Townsend, WA 98368 By signing below,the above-named organization affirms it is in support of the project as it is currently proposed. Furthermore, said organization agrees that the project is likely to have a net benefit to the local environment and community. Signature: Date: 6/06/2022 The space below may be used by the supporting organization to provide comments, or additional documents may be attached, if needed. The 80CC voted in approval at the June 6th, 2022 Commissioner's Meeting.