Thank you Lott Foundation!
by Sally Abella
In December 2020, an unexpected and very welcome monetary gift was made to WALPA by the Jordan and Andrea Lott Foundation. This very generous donation will be used to fund our efforts to provide education, support, and outreach to citizens and organizations across Washington and Idaho that protect and improve lakes and associated habitats.
Herrera uses state-of-the-art monitoring and data analysis for Lake Tapps and other lakes in Washington
WATERLINE SPONSORED CONTENT
Herrera Environmental Consultants is a leading Northwest engineering and scientific firm focused on water, restoration, and sustainable development. We are employee-owned, with 93 staff in five offices, and have specialized in lake management and restoration studies since 1980. We have a long history of advocating for Washington lakes and currently employ three professional limnologists as well as staff with lake monitoring, assessment, and planning experience.
The journey to revitalizing Rainier Beach’s Be’er Sheva Park
by Ashley R. Townes
On a recent episode of the popular television game show, Family Feud, “the beach” was one of the top answers to the question, “What does a tourist want to see when visiting California?” Interestingly enough, the answer, “Where’s the beach?” became a neighborhood slogan when posed by Rainier Beach-area residents as part of the 2012 Rainier Beach Neighborhood Plan Update (RBNP). This RBNP initiative sought to have a beach at Be’er Sheva Park and its adjacent waterfront.
Nestled between an urban farm and a boat launch, overlooking Lake Washington, and despite its size comparable to other popular Seattle-area parks, Be’er Sheva Park is significantly underused by local residents. This is primarily due to the lack of amenities like park furnishings, benches, sufficient lighting, signage, etc. In fact, a recent survey confirmed that many Rainier Beach residents were not even aware of the park.
Save the date: WALPA is heading to the Tri-Cities this fall!
WALPA is returning to the east side in 2021 to host its 34th annual conference in Richland from October 20-22. Please join us at the newly remodeled Holiday Inn Richland on the Columbia River. This year’s theme, “It Takes a Village,” was chosen to highlight collaborative efforts to understand, protect, and restore our lakes. Stay tuned for the call for abstracts, registration, and hotel reservation information. We are looking forward to seeing you in Richland!
2021 WALPA student scholarships: apply today!
In 2021, the Washington Lakes Protection Association is offering three student scholarships of $1,250, $1000, and $500. All three scholarships will also provide funds to cover registration and two nights’ accommodation for each recipient at the annual meeting.
Student scholarships will be awarded to further our understanding of the limnology, hydrology, ecology, management, and restoration of lakes in Washington and Idaho. Applicants must be part- or full-time undergraduate or graduate students at an accredited college or university in Washington or Idaho.
Vigilant stewardship: reauthorize the Washington Invasive Species Council
by Matthew Colston
In 2020, we saw that local and state governments bore the brunt of COVID-19 response efforts. As that battle raged on, though, invasive species also entered the state and the work of finding and eradicating them continued. The Washington Invasive Species Council (WISC) provided a swift response to the emergence of Asian giant hornets in our state, while still monitoring the already long list of invasive species they regulate. WISC also helps support the city and county agencies that are the most effective bulwarks against the introduction of invasives. Whether marine, terrestrial, or aerial, invasive species are a significant threat to our state’s land and water; WISC has proven to be an effective steward of our essential resources.
New initiatives for a new year: News from the Board
WALPA’s new year started with old and new board members meeting virtually to talk about numerous subjects – the first of which is this year’s in-person conference slated for Richland in October. Jen Oden, as president-elect, is chairing the effort. The Conference Committee is currently working to determine the conference theme and extend a call for abstracts. While WALPA’s virtual conference was a great success, members missed the networking opportunities provided by an in-person event. We all look forward to hosting the annual conference this fall.
