The restoring of our nation’s estuaries became a national priority through landmark legislation to revitalize coastal communities and restore essential coastal habitat. The Estuaries and Clean Water Act of 2000 provided a strong federal commitment and millions of dollars to restore habitat in the most productive ecosystems on earth.

Most urban bays in Puget Sound have lost over 98 percent of their original marsh habitat. Encompassing 2,300 miles of shoreline, it’s home to 200 species of fish and 14 species of marine mammals.

Puget Sound’s role in the environment has become the subject of much debate, controversy and litigation as developers and regulators clash over land use issues. Restoration has become big business and what was once fodder for scientists and public entities, property owners and communities must now be proactive and take part in solutions which shape our future.

We are faced with difficult decisions regarding conservation and protection of this precious resource. Liberty Bay is an important regional estuary within Puget Sound, used by native salmonid species, shellfish industry, marine organisms, home to unique plants and habitat types.

Restoration is critical to the vitality of Liberty Bay’s ecosystem, and community involvement will encourage people to preserve and protect our rainforests of the sea.

Answering the call, the Lemolo Citizens Club and Liberty Bay Foundation partnered with businesses, service clubs, Kitsap County, the City of Poulsbo, property owners and individuals to restore the health of our bay.

The “Nearshore Habitat Evaluation & Enhancement” revitalization project is supported in part from a $214,148. DOE grant through US EPA funds. Every dollar donated to this grassroots effort will be matched by approximately $8.50 of the clean water grant and volunteer efforts.

This project will take steps to reverse the trend of degradation in Liberty Bay through watershed assessment, shoreline revegetation, water quality monitoring, public education, community involvement, and citizen stewardship.

By identifying environmentally sensitive shoreline areas that merit concern and protection, it can help us see what we can do for nearshore conservation, water quality and salmon recovery. As the first of many community efforts planned for this area and its environs, it could be a model for all of Western Washington to emulate. These ventures will increase the experience of our children and visitors while improving the quality of life for wildlife inhabitants... and ourselves. So, come help us or join your own neighborhood groups and “Bring Back our Bay”.

(Editor’s Note: For more information call project director Kathleen Byrne-Barrantes at (360) 697-5815 or email luiskathy@attbi.com. For more information or a calendar of local events, visit www.kitsapgov.com/nr/calendar.htm.)