Category: Latest News
-
Action Update: Who foots the bill for an oil spill?
Last month we sent out an action alert regarding the Washington State Department of Ecology’s rulemaking. This rulemaking will establish financial responsibility requirements for refineries, pipelines, and other large bulk oil handling facilities. Here’s an update on all the progress made! Thanks to everyone that made comments and amplified our action alert. The final rule…
-
Action Update: Phillips 66
In May 2023, Friends of the San Juans received a concerning anonymous alert regarding changes at the Phillips 66 Refinery in Ferndale, apparently without a permit. These changes could allow the refinery to function as a transshipment facility, receiving diesel for resale in Canada via rail and truck. Acting swiftly, Friends submitted a Code Enforcement…
-
Shoreline Property Owner Workshop Recording + Tools
In the San Juan Islands, over 90% of waterfront tax parcels are privately owned for residential purposes. Protecting habitat is the most efficient and effective way to support the marine environment. Partnering with Blue Coast Engineering, Northwest Straits Foundation, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program, Friends of the San Juans…
-
Business and Organizations that Show Up for Friends!
We’re so grateful to the local businesses, artists, and organizations that donated their time, space, and/or goods over the last year! Thank you! Alchemy Art Center Alisha Merrick, Fern Ayn Gailey Consulting Cin Cin Climb San Juan Darvill’s Bookstore FLOAT (For the Love of All Things) FOLKS (Friends of Lime Kiln Society) Friday Harbor House …
-
Who Foots the Bill for an Oil Spill?
Ensure Accountability from the Oil Industry The specter of a large oil spill looms over our region, casting a shadow of potential devastation. The stakes are high. At risk are our environment, economy, and cultural resources; the vulnerable Southern Resident killer whales and their dwindling food source, chinook salmon; the forage fish that nurture the…
-
Director’s Update
As we dive into the new year, I see daily how important our members’ support is to achieve our mission. I wanted to take a moment to thank you and share what your year-end donations have already jumpstarted in this first month of 2024: Also, I am happy to report that we met our…
-
New Faces at Friends
We are delighted to welcome a new staff member and 2 new board members to our team! Isabel Alexander, Executive Administrator — Isabel provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the Board. Isabel will also be integral in communications with our donors, members, and volunteers. Prior to joining Friends, Isabel was the Program Director…
-
Legislative Action Alerts!
The Washington State Legislative Session begins Monday, January 8th, and will run for 60 days, until March 7, 2024. Stay informed. Make a difference. Don’t miss our legislative updates on policy issues impacting the San Juans and the Salish Sea! Click the button below to sign up, and select Regional Action Alerts from the list…
-
Take a stand against big oil in support of the Salish Sea!
Update: 2024 is off to a good start! Huge thanks to the incredible response from community members who sent comments on this issue. Whatcom County will likely be issuing a revised MDNS and hopefully it will address the project’s potential vessel traffic impacts. You can view Whatcom County’s memo here. Make sure you are signed…
-
Thank You, Science Advisors!
This year, Friends of the San Juans welcomed a new Council of Scientific Advisors, contributing their incredible expertise to our science-driven approach. We’re so thankful for their time and guidance. We want to especially thank former board member, Michael Riordan, for his help in recruiting this fantastic group of advisors. Drew Harvell (she/her) Drew earned…
