Thornton Creek North Branch After the Rain

Somewhere Under the Rainbow in Shoreline Today

Today, after a 24 hr substantial rain, Thornton Creek's North Branch 
seems to be managing quite well. (But it is just the beginning of what needs to be done.)

Thornton Creek at Twin Ponds Park,
creek is running "bank full".
This section was "daylighted" in last decade
with grant funding from King Conservation District
and KC Waterworks

Thornton Creek has been the site of many problems over the years due to drainage and stormwater impacts. There has been litigation, flooding and challenges on  impact to fish habitat. The cities of Shoreline and Seattle have been facing many of these problems and attempting to resolve some of the problems. 

Shoreline needs to keep going in this direction. More pervious pavement, LID projects, open space,
tree canopy, drainage infiltration, and many more projects like the Green Streets project reviewed a few days ago on this blog and republished in Shoreline Area News. There is still a lot of work to do to undo
the problems of the past century of development. We now know what will work.

Let's get more grant funding and keep it up! 

Thornton Creek as it enters Twin Ponds (upper pond)

Ducks seem happy at Twin Ponds
after the storm

Shoreline has been working for many years to address the stormwater problems in the Thornton Creek Watershed.  In 2006 voters approved the Parks Bond projects, including the wetland restoration at

Cromwell Park.  Council approved the project in 2008 and the public process commenced. Peggy Gaynor, of Gaynor, Inc designed the project for Susan Black Associates. Over 2 acre feet of wetland detention is provided at the headwaters of Thornton Creek. Previously all these waters were piped and ran directly into Ronald Bog which has experienced many flooding events into the neighborhood. 

Now the park provides many benefits, including recreational trails and interpretive areas, playground, playfields and magnificent restored wetlands and wildlife habitat. Over 400 trees were planted in the project.

Cromwell Park Project next to King County Courthouse
provides many acres of wetland retention and recreational
opportunities

What is one of the major benefits of the project? 

Clean Water! 

Five of the 23 ducks seen at Cromwell Park wetland today

Just ask the Residents! 

Calling All Democrats in 32nd Legislative District - Holiday Party!

Join Us at our Winter Party! 32nd District Democrats Winter Glorious Festivus Party  FUNdraiser, Food and  White Elephant Auction!  December 10th, Friday 5:30PM Richmond Masonic Hall 753 N 185th St Shoreline, Washington 98155      Please join the 32nd Legislative  District Democrats for our Annual  Winter Glorious Party and Fundraiser.   There will be food, drink, and  live music.  There is a suggested  donation of $10.00. We are pleased to have Chad and Jackie,  formerly of the Three Chord Progressives,  play for us. Please consider bringing a white elephant  or other item to donate to the fundraiser.   In addition, we need donations of wine,  drinks, and dessert. Please contact Priya Cloutier  (425.231.4749) with any questions.   RSVPs are requested but not necessary. Richmond Masonic Hall 753 N 185th St Shoreline, Washington 98155 Dec 10, 2010 5:30PM-9:30PM www.32democrats.org

Renew and Raffle! Join the 32nd District Democrats  or  renew your membership on Dec 10th  and receive 2 free raffle tickets!

Shoreline's Green Street Project

City Experiments with 
"Low Impact Development" Street Treatment Project
(This story is reprinted in Shoreline Area News 
TODAY 12/7 http://www.shorelineareanews.com/2010/12/shorelines-green-street-project.html)

17th Ave NE is the site if the
Green Streets Project
in Shoreline

On a small neighborhood street between NE 145th and NE 150th on 17th Ave NE an extraordinary experiment is underway. This is the "Green Streets" project undertaken by Shoreline's Public Works and

Surface Water & Environmental Services. 

Permeable Asphalt Pavement
Medium creates new sidewalk
photo credit-Janet Way

Green Streets is a Capital Improvement Project approved by the City Council in 2009, and implemented by the need to comply with the NPDES II (National Pollution Discharge Elimination  Standard) Permit required by the WA Department of Ecology.  This permit allows municipalities to operate their drainage systems. The latest permit is providing a very high standard that now surpasses the stormwater requirements of DOE, because City Council approved this newest Stormwater Code in 2009.

It is partially inspired by the now well known SEAstreets project in Seattle's Greenwood Neighborhood. 

That original project was created in 2003, and has now achieved aclaim nationwide for its effectiveness in infiltrating stormwater, slowing traffic and providing an attractive neighborhood environment. 

17th NE "AFTER"
Project Underway
photo credit - City of Shoreline

Now the Shoreline 17th Street Project is nearly completed. It features "bioswales" planted with native plantings in the Right of Way, "pervious" asphalt sidewalks and driveways, and an attractive "meandering" design which slows traffic. The pervious asphalt is underlain with a bed of prepared soil, as are the swales which absorb a large quantity of stormwater which would otherwise run quickly into the local stream. In this case it is Hamlin Creek, a tributary of Thornton Creek, which is already greatly stressed as an urban stream.  When the stormwater percolates into the ground in the bioswales or through the asphalt, it is cleaned naturally by the soils and plantings. 

Here are some before and after shots provided by the Surface Water Environmental Services.

17th NE "BEFORE"
photo credit- City of Shoreline

The Street Edges shown before and after -

17th NE Right of Way street edge "BEFORE"
photo credit - City of Shoreline

Planted swale next to sidewalk section before
permeable asphalt applied
photo credit - City of Shoreline

One feature of the project was that some of the existing trees have been preserved, though some were

too impacted to be saved. The City met frequently with the neighborhood to address their concerns. 

This huge Madrone tree was protected and reserved next to the sidewalk.
It had previously had a circular bed surrounding it
that covered part of the trunk.
Hopefully now it has more breathing room .
photo credit - JanetWay

One neighbor I spoke to today said she was happy with the sidewalks and the fact that traffic is now lessened and slowed down, but she was surprised how much of the area she'd thought was her yard was impacted. She also said she felt the project came out much differently than she'd expected. But, she also said that the stormwater DOES seem to be infiltrating well into the pavement and swales.

Section of 17th NE project adjacent to
the VFW Hall. This sidewalk appears to be
the typical concrete material.
photo credit-Janet Way

Here's hoping that this magnificent Madrone which is watching over the project 

will thrive and the neighbors will as well! We look forward to the completion and the plantings
growing into their true potential to do their "water quality work".

Giant Madrone on 17th NE
photo credit- Janet Way

Season of Light in Pioneer Square!

Last night, we attended the First Thursday Gallery Walk at Pioneer Square. 

Gallery on Occidental Ave

What a wonderful time of year to visit this beautiful and historic part of Seattle! Dozens of Galleries, Shops, Eateries and Historic Landmarks everywhere you look! 

Northwest Fine Woodworking is Celebrating
their 30th Anniversary Year!

Globe Gallery is featuring Wildlife photo exhibit by
photographer Phillip Kramer
A little gallery worth visiting at 105 S Main

This installation is a delightful and whimsical
metals sculpture room by
James Barker for the
"Storefronts Seattle"  project
It is a strange tropical landscape with
nouveau "erector set" dinosaurs
and palm trees! Too fun!

It was also publicized as a celebration of Storefronts Seattle, which is highlighting the utilization of some of the empty storefronts downtown that are available.  I was delighted as always to stroll around and enjoy what the merchants and gallery owners have to offer.

And it was co-sponsored by several groups including the Alliance for Pioneer Square.

Crafts Vendors in Occidental Park

Some very creative uses have been put into practice in that historic commercial area, which bring economic vitality to an area that has been impacted by the current deep recession. 

Pratt Fine Arts Center has a Holiday Sale Outlet
with a wonderful selection of handmade craft and fine art pieces
at 155 S Main St from 12/2-11

It's also a joy just to walk around Pioneer Square and feel the vibrant energy there. Consider that commerce has been going on there for well over 100 years! And even more fun to go in and BUY SOMETHING from struggling merchants or artists. It's an act of civic pride to participate
(even if you are not from Seattle).

Discontinued American Dinnerware is a delight on
S Washington St. 

Clock Stands watch next to McCrory's,
a landmark for sportsfans
across the street from Seahawk Stadium 

Fred Johnson and Todd from Millstream NW, LLC Gift Shop
features NW artisans and an amazing selection

And of course the nightlife goes on and keeps the young at heart coming.

New Orleans pub and nightclub on
First Ave.

Thornton Creek Work Party this Sunday

Thornton Creek Park Six is an ongoing location for stewardship in North Seattle. It is directly across the street from Northgate (and Thornton Place and Thornton Creek Water Quality Channel). 

It is an important headwaters area of the South Branch of Thornton Creek, which is the largest watershed
in Seattle and Shoreline and hosts 5 species of salmonids including chinook. It is truly an amazing resource for nature lovers right in the center of North Seattle.

This Sunday is your last opportunity of the year to help our directly on a Thornton Creek work party.

Wooduck sighted at Park Six Pond
photo credit - Don MacCall

What better opportunity to work of some of those calories in between the winter feasts??
And the current forecast promises no rain on our day.

When: Dec. 5 (Sun.)
Time: 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Where:  Meet on the south side of NE 105th, between 5th Ave. NE and 8th Ave.
NE.  From here we'll work our  way north into the park.
Tasks:  Weeding around the new plants, mulching, and putting temporary cages
around the saplings to protect them from hungry beavers
in the spring.

As usual:  tools, gloves, snacks, and hot/cold beverages will be provided.
Please bring your water bottle.
Questions:  Respond to this e mail address or phone 206-930-8965.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thornton Creek Park Six Natural Area
photo credit - Janet Way

If you have time be sure to check out the beaver pond!  With last summer's
work parties, and a large group of Girl Scouts working there this fall, the
viewing area is looking really nice. 

 Also note what a busy beaver buffet it still is!  

The Wood Ducks are back, but has anyone seen the two Great Blue
Herons that were always there until last spring?  

Toxics in Puget Sound - Event TONITE at REI

People for Puget Sound is sponsoring a presentation tonite (Wed, 12/1), about the impacts of toxics on Puget Sound. 

Many people know that Puget Sound has big problems, but just looking out across it from a distance does not convey the magnitude of problems below the surface.

Cherry Point View
photo credit-PPS

But where do the toxics come from? You don't have to look far, especially on a rainy day. Just look at your street in your neighborhood. Toxics are washed "down the drain" and right into the local waterbody, and that all leads to Puget Sound eventually.

Toxics from your neighborhood
photo credit-PPS

So head down to REI tonite and get the facts!

http://pugetsound.org/pressroom/press-releases/113010REI/

Advocates for Puget Sound- Toxics in Puget Sound

Come and learn about how toxic chemicals affect both human and environmental health in the Puget Sound region. Scientists and policy makers will talk about the steps being taken to clean up toxic sediments and present ways citizens can become involved. 

Guest speakers:

Toxic contamination and its effect on Puget Sound wildlife
   -James West, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Puget Sound Assessment and Monitoring Program
   -Sandie O'Neill, Fish Biologist, Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NOAA)

Toxic cleanup of the Duwamish River Superfund site
   -BJ Cummings, Duwamish River Clean-up Coalition

Personal behavior and the toxic contamination of Puget Sound
   -Heather Trim, Toxics Program Manager, People For Puget Sound

The goal of the Advocates for Puget Sound lecture is to provide environmentally aware 

citizens with the tools to become advocates for the health and restoration of Puget Sound.
time: 7pm

where: REI Flagship Store, 222 Yale Ave N Seattle, WA 98109

questions: (206) 382-7007 x161

People For Puget Sound members, free; non-members, $5, at the door.

Please RSVP to Sarah Barkley.

http://pugetsound.org/pressroom/press-releases/113010REI/

Food Safety Bill Passes US Senate with Family Farm Protections

Today, Food Democracy Now and other local food advocates, including Michael Pollan declared a huge victory today with the passage of the "Food Safety Act" (S.510).

http://www.fooddemocracynow.org/blog/2010/nov/30/major-victory-family-farmers-sustainable-agricultu/

The FDN group claims their grassroots efforts made the difference with over 12,000 calls to Senators.

"The passage of the food safety bill, which grants the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandatory recall authority and includes provisions that protect family farmers engaged in direct sales of local foods is an historic victory for family farmers and the local food movement, said Dave Murphy, founder and executive director of Food Democracy Now!.  "In overcoming the backlash of agricultural giants who desperately fought to kill these protections for family farmers, the sustainable agricultural movement has shown that it is a political force to be reckoned with."

"The bill is far from perfect, but the inclusion of these protections guarantees that farmers that sell directly to consumers, farmers markets, grocery stores and restaurants with sales under $500,000 and sell in state or within 275 miles of their farm or facility are exempted from expensive regulations that could drive them out of business," continued Murphy. 

 The Bill will now go to the House of Representatives for Reconciliation. The original House Bill passed on July 30th.  The WA State Delegation voted FOR it then 7-2 with both Inslee and McDermott voting YES.

Today in the NY Times, authors and local food advocates Michael Pollan and Eric Schlosser wrote in opinion column:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/29/opinion/29schlosser.html?_r=1

"The bill would, for the first time, give the F.D.A., which oversees 80 percent of the nation’s food, the authority to test widely for dangerous pathogens and to recall contaminated food. The agency would finally have the resources and authority to prevent food safety problems, rather than respond only after people have become ill. The bill would also require more frequent inspections of large-scale, high-risk food-production plants....... 

 You would think that such reasonable measures to protect the health and safety of the American people would have long since sailed through Congress. But after being passed by the House of Representatives more than a year ago with strong bipartisan support, the legislation has been stuck in the Senate. One sticking point was the fear among small farmers and producers that the new regulations would be too costly — and the counter-fear among consumer groups that allowing any exemptions for small-scale agriculture might threaten public health.

Those legitimate concerns have been addressed in an amendment, added by Senator Jon Tester of Montana, that recently was endorsed by a coalition of sustainable agriculture and consumer groups. But now that common sense has prevailed, the bill is under fierce attack from critics — egged on by Glenn Beck and various Tea Partyers, including some in the local food movement — who are playing fast and loose with the facts. "

---------------------------------------------------------
In another fascinating analysis of the problems created by over concentrations of "factory farms", 
from Food/Water Watch, a "Factory Farm Map" gives a critical view of how many farm animals are concentrated in areas around the US.  It shows a high concentration of "factory farming" on the West side of WA and also in Central WA.  And it shows the average number of animals per site increasing as of 2007.
http://www.factoryfarmmap.org/#animal:dairy;location:WA;year:2007

Washington

• The average industrial feedlot in Washington has more than 12,100 beef cattle.
• In 2010, a manure lagoon on a 750-cow dairy collapsed, spilling 12 million gallons of manure onto fields that leaked into the Snohimish River.
• The 86,000 dairy cows on factory-farm dairies in Yakima County, Washington produce as much untreated manure as the sewage output from the New York City metro area.
• In 2008, a Mt. Vernon, Washington dairy agreed to pay an $8,000 penalty to settle alleged Clean Water Act violations for manure discharges that leaked from a barn into a tributary that leads to the Puget Sound.

More Washington facts
As a representative of a small family dairy, I feel close to this issue. There is certainly a need for great care in producing safe food, but it is also so important to provide enough flexibility for innovation and
access to local products in the markets.  


I hope this legislation will help without overly burdening our family farms and customers.


Appreciate YOUR input.


Best,


Janet