Popular Rain Barrel Workshops Offered Again this Year--For Free

Saturday April 28, 9:30 – 11:30
Tuesday May 22, 6:00 – 8:00
Attendees get a free rain barrel – a $100 value.

Necessary hardware and other accessories cost less than $30 at Pacific Building Center. After your first barrel is set up you are offered a second free barrel with a connector.

This program was conceived, and is presented, by Ingrid Enschede, Whatcom County Public Works key person who supports BBWARM, the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquadic Resources management District, and Emily Resch, of the Birch Bay Water and Sewer District. The two organizations have matching objectives: BBWARM to limit pollution from storm runoff; the BBWSD, which has the lowest rates in the county, to limit water consumption.

“When people see how quickly a 55-gallon fills up during a rain storm they will recognize how impervious surfaces, such as roof tops and paved driveways, increase runoffs,” explains Resch.
We have two rain barrels at our cottage. (One came with a new spout system. As an incentive, we were offered free dinners; we asked for a second barrel instead.) When we fill our sprinkling can with water from a barrel we take pleasure in not buying water for the garden – “we're conservationists!”



ak

Not so Much About Hurting Wallets...

... as about protection for business and home values in Birch Bay and improvement of water quality.

The petition to place legal controls on stormwater runoff by RE Sources for Sustainable Communities must be considered thoughtfully. What will be the economic results be if the Bay continues to be polluted; will recreational visitors and potential home buyers stop coming?

The petition to include Birch Bay and Blaine in the Western Washington Municipal Storm Water Permit, was produced by Lee First, prevention specialist, and Wendy Steffensen, lead scientist, of RE Sources. Here are excerpts:


“Birch Bay has also experienced shellfish growing area closures due to degraded water quality in Terrell Creek, the primary freshwater discharge to the bay. In 2003 the DOH [Washington State Department of Health] identified Birch Bay as a “threatened” shellfish growing area due to water quality degradation. In 1994, DOH noted the elevated bacteria levels in Terrell Creek as a potential threat to the shellfish growing areas adjacent to the mouth of the creek (DOH 1994). There is also 1 [sic] Category 2 (waters of concern) listing for fecal coliform, with additional listings proposed for fecal coliform and dissolved oxygen for the 2010 assessment. Again, it is likely that these parameters are associated with stormwater.



“Terrell Creek, which drains to Birch Bay, experiences low summer and fall flows, fish passage problems, and degraded instream and riparian habitat. Fish populations are declining in Terrell Creek. Poor water quality and low flows in the lower portion of Terrell Creek have been considered potential causes or contributors to fish kills in 2002 and 2007. The Terrell Creek water Quality Monitoring Report 2004-2009 concluded that temperature, DO [Dissolved Oxygent], and Fecal Coliform in Terrell Creek did not meet the WA State water quality standards for this freshwater creek (NSEA 2010).



“In response to the water quality issues, Whatcom County has established a shellfish protection district in Birch Bay. Ongoing monitoring by Whatcom County has shown that the majority of sites do not meet the standard for primary contact recreation and noticeable improvement has not occurred. (Whatcom County Public Works, 2010-2011)



“The Birch Bay UGA has the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management (BBWARM) District, which is managed by Whatcom County Public Works. It is a self-taxing district that was established in 2007 to manage stormwater and address citizen concerns about water quality problems, flooding, and loss of aquatic habitat in the Birch Bay Watershed. The mission of BBWARM is as follows: To promote actions that reduce the impacts of stormwater runoff by decreasing the threat of flooding to private and public property and by improving and protecting water quality, aquatic habitat, and the quality of life that a healthy watershed provides. Despite the proactive efforts by this group and by Whatcom County staff, water resources in this area would be afforded more protections if the area was included under the municipal permit.“



BBWARM is a voluntary program. Some of the elements of the BBWARM program are similar to the requirements of the Permit. The requirements of the Permit are much more extensive. Some of the differences between what BBWARM accomplishes and what is required of permittees include, but are not limited to the following:
- The permit requires more extensive education and outreach,
- The permit requires an ongoing program to map, identify, detect, prevent, and track illicit connections,
- There are more stringent requirements for controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction than for BBWARM, and - Maintenance requirements, tracking, and reporting inspection of stormwater facilitities is more extensive for permittees than for BBWARM.”

Will the Whatcom County Council, which established BBWARM, agree?

ak

We, too, Have Awards

For enhancing Birch Bay's most-geinuine traditional business: Keith Alesse and Saara who, with Patrick and Patrica very much on the scene, are upgrading and maintaining The C Shop to be better than ever.For creating a new event that brings visitors to Birch Bay: Tammy Pearce and Dave Bucknell of the Bay Cafe (in cooperation with The C Shop), who staged a day-long concert that brought many new – and younger – people to Birch Bay.

For demonstrating that it is possible to start a new restaurant in Birch Bay: Mike and Susan Gillern of Dee's Country Diner – “Dee” is what the kids called their dad. They started out offering breakfast and lunch, now they're open for dinner Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings until 9 o'clock.

For maintaining Birch Bay's biggest draw: Ian Buchanan, manager of the Water Slides. Moreover, he's bringing the new owners into the community. They sponsored this year's Polar Bear Plunge.

For persistance, blended with patience, in keeping the Park & Rec District alive: Ted Morris, the president, and other commissioners, Jeff Carrington, Katy Montfort, Doug Robertson and Rich Stargell, spent their tax money prudently and are still in operation despite losing two levy votes. Now they are getting ready to try again. An open house where activities being offered will be show-cased Saturday, the 28th, starting at 10:30. Included is horse basketball in three age categories. Location is the Birch Bay Activity Center, the renovated gym in Bay Horizon Park.

Ted faces double pressure. As manager of Birch Bay and Peace Arch State Parks he must make do with a drastically reduced budget. The community is fortunate to have this solid citizen who combines concern and competence.

For keeping a somewhat nebulus program with slow results in front of the public: Ingrid Inschede, the County's outreach manager of BBWARM, the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resources Management district.

For proving a steady hand in keeping the Birch Bay Chamber of Commerce on track: John Gargett, the president who instituted a program to gain sponsors for a series of events that attract visitors – The Ring of Fire & Hope, the Polar Bear Plunge, the Sandcastle Contest and Discovery Days Arts and Crafts Festival with the parade and Ducky Derby.

For improving both the facility and the reputation of Birch Bay's and Whatcom County's best low-cost lodging, Ken Lord, manager of the Hostel and Guest House in Bay Horizon Park.

For moving a small business to a big building – previously housing indoor golf, then an exercise club – and creating a low-cost source of valuable clothing and household appliances: Susan Fisher of Birch Bay Consignment and Thrift. (Ruth's winter outfit is built around a red sweater-coat for which she paid $7; last week we bought a CD player for $20.)

For tireless devotion to the needs of the community: Kathy Berg, Chair of the Birch Bay Steering Committee who operates a government in waiting. Highly visible for the e-mail reports of information important to citizens, she also works quietly behind the scenes. Recently, she has been doing this work with the help of Doralee Booth, her vice chair. Now she has formed The Waterfront Group at Birch Bay with six members to achieve the long-held dream of shoreline restoration with a berm. Permanent restrooms are included. Members of the group are Sunny Brown, Katy Montfort. Ted Morris and Brian Southwick in addition to Berg and Booth.

Considering this list of awardees, Birch Bay is a more together place than many realize.

ak

2011 Holiday Season--Birth of a New Tradition

We don’t know where this originated, but Sandy Brewer of Blaine Community Theater forwarded it us and we whole-heartedly endorse the concept. Despite the frequent references to Christmas, it does apply to the entire holiday season.

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods--merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone--yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants--all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this
isn't about big National chains--this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine.

THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list--post it to discussion groups -- throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city--send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn't that what Christmas is about?

Sandy ended by saying “...and I would add to the list such things as theater tickets, locally produced movies or CD's and music by local groups as well. Been in a film lately? Send a copy of it to a friend as a gift.”

Right here in Birch Bay we have restaurants and coffee shops, a yarn and gift shop, a thrift and consignment store and other businesses working hard to stay open. Just outside Birch Bay, a creamery sells delicious cheeses, a dog and cat center offers day-care, and other restaurants and businesses seek your support.

Shop local and build Birch Bay, Whatcom County, Washington State and America.

rah

Vote for the Park & Rec Levy

And tell your friends and neighbors to vote.

There is a flyer around that lists, with pictures, the accomplishments of the revived Northwest Park & Recreation District, that mirrors the boundaries of the Blaine School District, with the exception of Point Roberts.

Most visible in Birch Bay is the gym at Bay Horizon County Park at a cost of $153,000. Outside the building, Park & Rec purchased a playground set for $35,000. With the County demolishing unnecessary buildings,and the Lions Clubs refurbishing dorm buildings and the hostel, this park is now a community asset.

Ball fields will be built after this levy is approved.

But Park and Rec is not just about sports. The District has supported a wide range of recreational programs ranging from exercise machines at the Blaine Senior Center, safe bike and walking trails, dog parks, sailing and swimming lessons that benefit people of all ages and physical abilities. See more accomplishments at http://nwparkandrec.org/districtaccomplishments.html.

The amount of the levy is 10 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $30 per year for a home valued at $300,000. The levy will be applied to your tax bill for six years, allowing for prudent planning and economical construction. This is a bargain any way you figure–for your family, for your community and for your home due to the likely increased value.

Where else do you get more value for a dime?

ak