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Each county-based MRC sets local resource priorities, sponsors projects to address those priorities, and oversees their progress. Through their activities, MRCs coordinate diverse partners, support creative and action-oriented solutions, and provide a platform for education and outreach on local issues.
All of the coastal counties currently participate in the MRC Program. The four Coastal County MRCs are: Clallam and Jefferson (combined and named the North Pacific Coast), Grays Harbor, Pacific, and Wahkiakum. Each county completed an “exploratory” process before formally establishing a MRC through county resolution or ordinance, and appointing committee membership.
All MRC projects focus on meeting the performance benchmarks of the program: Marine Habitats, Marine Life, Marine and Fresh Water Quality, Sound Science, Education and Outreach, and Coastal Communities. Over the past year, the Coastal MRCs completed many high quality projects that met these benchmarks. Their accomplishments are summarized below.
- Development of the Coastal Advisory Body through participation in public comment sessions and organizational meetings
- Enhancement of science education through classroom Ocean Literacy Kits, and field trip transportation to marine and estuarine environments on Washington’s outer coast
- Completion of numerous coast-wide beach and estuary debris clean-ups
- Completion of facilitated Strategic Planning Sessions in two MRCs
- Initiation of a student involved invasive plant survey conducted by kayak in the Lower Columbia River Estuary
- Outreach events in each county, including a science conference, community potluck and science fair, watershed festival, and a boaters safety workshop
- Promotion of sustainable and handicapped access to marine resource enjoyment through a shoreline trail enhancement
- Enhancement of riparian habitat through native vegetation propagation and plantings
- Organization of the 2nd Annual Washington Coastal MRC Summit sponsored by Surfrider Foundation and The Nature Conservancy
- Scientific investigation through water quality monitoring and reporting, invasive plant surveys, and a genetic analysis of river otter food habits
- Increased direct connection of local residents to non-profit groups and state agencies
- MRC partnerships and representation on the State Ocean Caucus
- Raised general awareness of marine and estuarine issues through MRC-sponsored newspaper publications, presence at local festivals, science-based workshops, creation of educational signs, and other outreach and communication activities
For more detail on these projects, committee members, and contact information, please visit the individual MRC pages.
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