Important Meeting & Miscellaneous Items - 5/11/10

Illahee Community Meeting Monday 5/17. There is a very important Illahee Community meeting on Monday evening, May 17th, beginning at 6:15 pm, at the Library on Sylvan Way. The consensus at the last meeting was to try and hold community meetings on a weeknight evening rather than a weekend afternoon, as this time of year there are many other competing events.

Critical Topics Will Be Discussed. There are a number of critical items that the Illahee Community Club (ICC) board has been working on for the community and will be discussed at this meeting as noted below.

Superior Court Suit. The ICC filed suit in Superior Court over the fairness doctrine and the issue has been resolved.

Shorelines Hearings Board Suit. The ICC filed suit with the Shorelines Hearings Board and that issue has also been resolved in a unique way.

Settlement Agreement. A settlement agreement was reached with regards to the Timbers Edge development and this settlement needs to be presented to the community at this meeting. Not every one is happy, but if certain things transpire we think the community will benefit.

Phase 2 Acquisitions & Easements. In addition to all that is going on legally, the various Illahee Preserve groups and the ICC have endorsed the Phase 2 Illahee Preserve/Illahee Creek Restoration Plan. This is a monumental plan to protect and preserve the the Preserve, Illahee Creek, and Puget Sound. We have attached the map showing past acquisitions and the future plans.

Rain Garden Target Area. The area north of the golf course was developed when there were no requirements to contain or control stormwater and so over 100 acres are tight-lined (piped) to the North Fork of Illahee Creek (just north of the golf course bridge) which is largely responsible for the brown silt laden waters that extend out into Puget Sound during significant rain events. We are looking at rain gardens in this target area to help slow down the water and the impact to the stream.

Petition For Port Assistance. The ICC is also trying to come up with a petition requesting Port assistance with the Phase 2 Plan, and will be looking for signatures from residents. They will try to have copies available at the meeting.

Future of Illahee Will Be Determined By These Issues. The future and look of Illahee will be determined by some of these issues and your input is needed.

Port of Illahee Commissioners Will Be In Attendance. The Port of Illahee commissioners will also be in attendance to answer questions.

Other Meetings Will Likely Be Scheduled. If you can't make this meeting let us know what times work out best for you and other meetings will be scheduled. The issues are too important for anyone not to understand what is going on or to have their questions answered.

Other Illahee News. On the wildlife side there are several reports.

Canada Goose Families. The number of Canada goose goslings continues to increase. The oldest group of goslings numbers 4, the next number 5 (was 6), and the smallest group also numbers 5. Below is a picture of the middle group.

Nearshore Salmon. Several Illahee residents helped with the 24 hour beach seining this last weekend on Bainbridge Island and report the shorelines in the area are filled with small salmon and cutthroat. They saw lots of chum, pinks, and coho, and a few really nice Chinook, and were amazed at how small salmon become dispersed along the shorelines throughout the Sound once they leave the rivers.

Chicken Coop A Frame. We received pictures of a simplified chicken coop A frame from an Illahee resident and wanted to pass it on.

Update Photo In Patriot & CK Reporter. It was nice to open the Bremerton Patriot & CK Reporter and see the photo we took of the CK students working in the Illahee Preserve rain garden. The students were from Olympic High School and their effort was greatly appreciated.

Jim Aho