MEDIA ADVISORY
May 27, 2011
DNR to hold public informational workshop on mooring buoys in Quartermaster Harbor Minimizing in-water hazards in the bay
LOCATION – The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is inviting Vashon Island community members to an informational workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15. The workshop will help DNR, the community and local boaters to identify abandoned or derelict mooring buoys that create unsafe navigational conditions for recreational boats. In addition, some buoy anchoring systems may be inadvertently scouring the sediment floor with dragging chain lines and disturbing potential herring spawning habitat.
DNR will present preliminary survey results showing current buoy locations in Quartermaster Harbor. DNR is seeking information about which buoys are unused and could be removed over time. By minimizing the presence of derelict buoys, local and visiting boaters can be assured that any potential in-water hazards are minimized in Quartermaster Harbor.
Who: DNR Aquatic Resources Division Aquatic Reserve Program
What: Public Informational Workshop to identify abandoned or derelict mooring buoys in Quartermaster Harbor
When: 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Where: McMurray Middle School, 9329 SW Cemetery Rd., Vashon 98070-6105
Why: Promote safer navigational conditions for recreational boaters and minimize scouring of sediment floor that disturbs potential herring spawning habitat
DNR: steward of state-owned aquatic lands
The 2.6 million acres of state-owned ‘aquatic’ lands (mostly submerge lands) are a public trust managed and protected by DNR for the people of Washington. These lands are managed to protect fish and wildlife, and to facilitate commerce, navigation, and public access.
Revenue is generated from the sale of renewable resources such as wild geoduck, as well as from leasing submerged lands for marinas, docks and other uses. This revenue is used to manage and protect the health and productivity of aquatic resources, and to fund local projects that restore aquatic ecosystems and create public access to the waters of the state.
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721, jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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