Governor Inslee with Friends

On August 24, 2024, Friends of the San Juans was honored to host Governor Jay Inslee and his wife, Trudi, on a tour of the San Juans’ vibrant kelp and eelgrass beds. We explored these crucial marine ecosystems and highlighted the contributions of the Climate Commitment Act, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to combat climate change.

Our Executive Director organized this pivotal boat tour, chartering the UW Friday Harbor Labs’ research vessel, the Kittiwake, and inviting their leadership to join us as our featured partner. Friends’ staff, including our Program Directors who lead this critical work, along with our Board chair, Ken Carrasco, the Orca Recovery Task Force Co-Chair, Stephanie Solien, and Frank Greer shared insight with the Governor and his Senior Policy Advisor for Transportation while on board, and Friends’ former ED, Nancy DeVaux—contributed as well! Following the event, Nancy DeVaux authored a detailed write-up about the event in the Salish Current.

Governor Inslee also helped promote Friends of the San Juan’s new Green Boater Pledge from the Port of Friday Harbor Marina (sanjuans.org/greenboating), encouraging eco-friendly boating practices to protect the islands and the Salish Sea!

Governor Inslee’s leadership reinforces our commitment to work locally and throughout the region to protect:

☑️ The Salish Sea
☑️ Shoreline ecosystems
☑️ Our communities and island resources
☑️ The future!

Peruse video snippets of Inslee learning and leaning into protection of the San Juan Islands and the Salish Sea with Friends’ staff …