FRIENDS
OF THE CEDAR RIVER WATERSHED ONLINE NEWSLETTER
e-Currents
March 2008-72 Dear Friends, It's possible that you've read about US municipal water supplies being tainted with pharmaceutical residues. This report has, understandably, made local readers nervous about their own drinking water. In response to the report, a local radio station (KMTT) contacted the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed regarding the safety of our water supply. Our conversation will air on the "Marty Riemer Show," Tuesday morning, March 11, on KMTT, 103.7 FM. What a wonderful opportunity we had to inform local residents that our water supply is not at risk. As long as we maintain our watershed as a protected wilderness, we will not have to ask the question of whether or not there are residues of pollutants or drugs in our water. There are six cities in the country that use protected watersheds as their source of drinking water. Of those six cities, only Seattle owns its watershed outright. There are no other agencies involved in managing the watershed. The City and its residents have intentionally decided not to log or develop the watershed for the next 45 years. No private access or development will occur. What will happen after 45 years is up to the City of Seattle and its residents. That is precisely why we continue to reach out to our community. We will be the keepers of our watershed for as long as we recognize the value of maintaining the watershed as an ecological preserve. Water is only as clean as the land it flows through. Today, we have one of the best source water protection systems in the country, if not the world. What is that system? A healthy forest with healthy soil that cleans our water for us. Yes, our water still goes through purification processes for safety, but the water flows directly from a protected mountain reservoir to us. It doesn't flow through communities or industrial areas first. Please consider forwarding this email or a link to our website to your community, and encourage them to join our efforts. Only by continuing to educate and engage the public about the absolute value of our watershed will we ensure its protection in perpetuity. Thank you all!
Sue Rooney Executive Director Friends of the Cedar River Watershed PS--If you received this edition as a forward from a thoughtful friend or coworker, you can sign up for your very own subscription here. Upcoming EventsSaturday, March 22 10 AM to 2 PM Habitat Restoration at Cavanaugh Pond Celebrate World Water Day! Join us and REI for a day of streamside habitat restoration at Cavanaugh Pond. This area is home to a beavers, spawning salmon, and birds, but due to its infestation of blackberries and other invasive weeds, it is struggling to remain viable habitat. We’ll clear invasive weeds and spread fabric to prepare this site for a fall tree-planting project. Registration: Sign up by emailing sarah@cedarriver.org. Location: Maple Valley, directions will be provided to participants. Saturday, April 12 9:30 AM to 3 PM Botanical Inventory in the Watershed Join us and Seattle Public Utilities’ Botanist Clay Antieau for a spring botanical survey. Venture into the protected watershed to collect, identify, and press scientific specimens that will be deposited permanently at the University of Washington Herbarium. Prior botanical knowledge is welcome, but not required. Training provided. If you have ever wanted to discover the miraculous world of plants, this event is a golden and green opportunity! Space limited. Ages: Adults, Youth 12+ are welcome with a parent or guardian. Registration: Sign up by emailing sarah@cedarriver.org. Location: Meet at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center in North Bend. Saturday, April 19 9:30 AM to 3 PM Earth Day Tree Planting in the Watershed The more hands the merrier on our annual Earth Day tree planting! Join us inside the protected Cedar River Municipal Watershed to plant native trees and shrubs. Bring your friends, your cameras, and your enjoyment of nature. Ages: Adults, Youth 12+ are welcome with a parent or guardian. Registration: Sign up by emailing sarah@cedarriver.org. Location: Meet at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center in North Bend. Winter Hours through March 31 10 AM to 4 PM, Tues - Fri Cedar River Watershed Ed Center Looking for something to do with your family and friends? How about a visit to the Education Center in North Bend? It's close to home, in a beautiful location, has an interactive display for kids, historic and reading library for the book-worms, and trails to wander for the whole family. Share the riches of your watershed and come up for a visit! Winter hours begin in November. Family Fun in the Watershed The Water Center Lecture Series An ongoing series of lectures related to water, both local and global, occur through the University of Washington Water Center. Upcoming topics:
Lessons from the Front: Working in the Real World— A Seminar Led by Professional Engineers and Fisheries Scientists from the WA Section of the American Water Resources Association on January 22, and Leveraging Public Spending for Greener Cities ____________________________________________ In the News Drinking Water Supply in Seattle and Eastside are Safe Local perspective on why the pharmaceutical issue isn't creating a problem for us. ______________________________________________ Help Protect Your Watershed Greater Seattle area residents enjoy some of the cleanest water in the world. Fish and other species like it, too. The water coming from the Cedar River Watershed is uniquely pure because the land that collects and stores it is protected. It is one of only six watersheds in the country that supplies drinking water to a metropolitan area without requiring a major filtration system. The forest itself filters our water. You can help ensure that this protection continues. Become a Member The work of the Friends of the Cedar River Watershed—habitat restoration and environmental education—is made possible by your donations. As a non-profit organization, we depend on the support of the community to continue serving the community. To make your tax-deductible gift on-line, please visit our Donation Page Volunteer Opportunities Help develop and expand the reach of our programs, or help us with fundraising events. We are seeking volunteers to make one-year commitments to one of three great committees. The Program and Education, Outreach, and Events Committees need you. Drop a line to: info@cedarriver.org. Conserve Water for People and Wildlife ________________________________________________ e-Currents Quote of the Month Seal Island Across the meadow, sea smoke rises from a cove, distant islands float above the icy bay, this world seems about to disappear, and how would we imagine salt and seaweed, cedar wet with rain? Tom Sexton |