The MRC is seeking New Members!

The MRC is a service provided by Snohomish County Surface Water Management (SWM) and is focused on protecting, and restoring the marine and estuarine environment of the county. Committee members help recommend actions to the Snohomish County Executive and the County Council, as well as get hands-on experience planning and implementing marine conservation projects, such as the recent Snohomish Estuary Creosote Piling Prioritization Plan and removal of derelict vessels. The committee also helps with community education, such as annual recreational crabber education to reduce the loss of crab pots in Port Susan.

The MRC is looking for individuals who want to:

• Learn about marine conservation
• Participate in science-based research
• Contribute to policy recommendations
• Have diverse backgrounds in areas such as:
• Tribal member
• Commercial fishing
• Marinas
• Railroads
• Housing development
• Recreational, economic and environmental interests

Members are appointed for a three-year term (2021-2023) with the possibility of two additional terms. The commitment includes:

• Attending virtual monthly meeting on the third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
• Volunteering for a minimum of 10 hours a month, including possible field-work.

To apply, submit an online application form here, selecting “Marine Resources Advisory Committee” from the drop-down menu, and send a cover letter explaining your interest in volunteering along with your resume and three references to Elisa Dawson at Elisa.Dawson@snoco.org. The deadline for applications is December 20, 2020 or until filled. 

Congressman Rick Larsen met with Snohomish MRC Member Laura Gurley, Snohomish County Surface Water Management Staff for the MRC Elisa Dawson, Snohomish County Surface Water Management Director Gregg Farris, and Northwest Straits Staff Dana Oster to discuss the recently completed Snohomish Estuary Pilings Prioritization for Removal Project. The project used MRC Grant funds to map the 15,564 pilings on private and public lands within the estuary and developed a prioritization plan for removal based on the highest potential to improve estuary habitat and water quality. The goal of this report is to provide detailed information to agencies and private landowners of high-priority piling removal opportunities. During the second phase of this project, to begin this fall, the MRC members and SWM staff will continue to engage in conversations with partners, stakeholders, and private landowners around opportunities to remove high-priority pilings.