High Tides, Port Comments, & Annexation Proposal? - 1-26-11

High Tide Responses.  We receive some interesting comments regarding the supposedly high tides this past weekend. 

Walking On Water?  "One time, shortly after WWII, the tide was just above the decking on the Illahee Community dock and when we walked out to the end, it appeared we were able to walk on water."  We attached a photo of the high tide on Monday, which was a 13.6 foot tide, to give you an idea that a tide that would cover the decking would need to be at least 3 feet higher than it was on Monday.

Rue Villa Resident Comment.  "Yes, High tides?, not very high. I began thinking the forecasters got everything wrong. In our 44 years here at Rue Villa we've had much higher. Weather conditions were fairly mild though."

Highest Recorded Tide at Brownsville.  This data link specifies the maximum observed tide at Brownsville of 14.19 feet in 1980!  http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Documents/Reg/applications/tides/np/np66.cfm

Corps Salvage Vessel.  The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has a salvage vessel that retrieves debris in the Sound waterways, and was out on Monday in front of Illahee.  Their logo can be seen under the name PUGET.  We happened to see it and snapped the attached photos.  It had just picked up a 55 gallon barrel with a 2x6 frame that was evidently part of somebody's float.  A little while later it picked up a log just past Illahee State Park.  The debris is placed on the center deck where the barrel and logs can be seen.

Monday's Port Article.  Sunday's Kitsap Sun feature was on the 12 Kitsap County Port Districts and discussed a proposal that they be consolidated.  On Monday they presented the Port of Bellingham, where consolidation has already taken place.  We thought these articles would have generated numerous responses to their website comment section, but they didn't and we are wondering if it was because many of the normal commenters were following the Walmart shooting.  The link to the Monday article is:  http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/23/countywide-bellingham-gets-more-bang-for-its/

Port Comments.  While we received verbal comments to the Sun's Port articles, we received only two emails, which follow:

If you loose the small community ports the community bond will be stripped.

 

If Bremerton Port is such a great port why does it need tax revenue or even the possible combined revenues of the Kitsap county small ports. It should be generating free cash with banks lining up to inject money into their ventures. That little bit of venting released, I truly wish Bremerton nothing but the best but do not compare Bremerton with the small community ports. I appreciate what Bremerton has done but Bremerton is about jobs and revenue as the small ports are all about the community.

 

Brownsville is fortunate to have been able to develope its port and being so well established is more or less assured a future as a community while other ports have little more to offer than a priceless scenic view.

 

It goes that proposed consolidation is nothing but future elimination of small ports and capture of revenues. The best the future could hold for small ports is a ramp as docks would be deemed to be too expensive to maintain with chains and chain link fencing. Small ports would have to go beg with strong community backing for each morsel of funding. As there would no longer be port commissioners the chance of obtaining anything for the community would be remote.

 

Loss of a port would pull the revenue and much of the voice out of the small communities and then the eventual loss of a community identity. The identity of Kitsap County has been built up around the developments of the small ports.

 

We need to see the small ports as a positive feature of Kitsap County.

Well, after reading the articles, I continued my confidence in our port commissioners and increased my pride in their performance.

 

I just have no words to describe how foolish I would consider any prospect of merging with any of the listed districts.

 

It does seem to me that the Port of Bremerton (which, I think has the highest rate of assessment) could annex some of the East Bremerton land previously held by the Navy and, for that matter I would think that Bainbridge would be an attractive addition to their scope.  If I lived there, I would be really interested in establishing a separate district to preclude annexation by Bremerton.

Annexation Proposal?  We read in the Kitsap Sun on Wednesday (1/26/11) the county is evidently proposing that cities annex nearby communities in order relieve the county of infrastructure costs.  This has the potential to directly affect Illahee.  The attached link provides more details. 

Kitsap County wants most urban areas annexed into cities within five years.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/25/kitsap-county-wants-most-urban-areas-annexed/

KRCC Proposal.  We just read some of the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council's proposal and it appears to be the case.  The link to this document is:  http://www.kitsapregionalcouncil.org/library/D%20-%20Countywide%20Policies/Dec%202010%20Proposed%20CPP%20Changes%20for%20Public%20Comment.pdf

Public Hearing Thursday Evening.  There will be a public hearing on Thursday (1/27/11) evening at 5 pm at the Norm Dicks Center.  We copied and pasted the following information from their website.

Proposed Revisions
to the Kitsap Countywide Planning Policy are available
for Public Comment until
January 28th, 2011.

Click to download:
CPP Doc: Proposed RevisionsSchedule For Adoption

Public Hearing:
January 27th, 2011
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Norm Dicks Government Center,Main Meeting Chambers, 345 6th Street, Bremerton, WA.

Send Public Comment to:
Vicky@KitsapRegionalCouncil.org
or mail to KRCC office (see far left panel for address).

Our Initial Comments.  In our quick read through their proposed revised policy document we have the following initial comments:

1.  There is no discussion of Subarea plans such as Illahee's, and what the impacts would be with the adoption of this policy.

2.  It sounds like communities such as Illahee would be given an opportunity to either incorporate or be annexed.

3.  When Illahee's Subarea plan was going through the adoption process, we were told to remove all the commercial corridor along SR 303.

4.  Illahee is then left with mostly park land, open space, critical areas and a greenbelt, which isn't enticing for any city to want to annex, but according to this policy, they wouldn't have a choice.

5.  We are somewhat removed from Silverdale, should/when it becomes a city, so it seems we are likely in Bremerton's projected future annexation boundary.

6.  When asked by Illahee residents several years ago whether they wanted to be part of Bremerton or Silverdale or create their own Subarea plan, the results were 2%, 6%, & 92%.

7.  There is a statement that "adjustments" can be made to the Urban Growth Areas (Section B.3.k).  

8.  Does this mean the Illahee could propose to be removed from the UGA?

9.  Do we ask these questions at the public hearing, and/or do we discuss these at the next Illahee Community meeting?

Let Us Know Your Thoughts.  Let us know how you feel about these possible annexation issues that are suddenly before us again.

Attend Thursday's Meeting?  More importantly, it may be better to attend Thursday's public meeting at the Norm Dicks Center, or send your comments in by Friday.  

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous - 1-23-11

Tide Photos.  For the supposedly highest tides of the year on Saturday and Sunday, they weren't very exciting or very high.  We did get up early on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings in hopes of catching 'an extreme high tide,' but they didn't appear.  We even checked the barometer which had low readings of between 28.3 - 28.5 in Hg, which is considered a fairly low atmospheric pressure (standard is 29.92 in Hg).  We did select a couple of photos to show that the tides were high, they just weren't extremely high.

How High Do Tides Get Here?  We have been asked at various times about what are the highest tides we have seen.  We have lived on the waterfront for over 40 years, in various places, and somewhere have photos of extreme high tides.  The extreme high tide (late 70's or early 80's) we saw at this residence was 18 inches higher than the tide we had on Sunday, which is why it wasn't very exciting for us.

Schutt's Point At High Tide.  We took a couple of photos at Schutt's point on Sunday morning that show some low points inside the spit.  The first photo shows the low area at the north end near the mouth.  The second photo shows a low spot at the south end of the spit, where water drains from the low area, and where a branch of Illahee Creek flowed during the December 2007 storm.  A number of years ago we paddled kayaks inside the spit area.  We entered from the north and exited to the south, which would have put us in front of the house that has been built there.  That was an instance when there was a more extreme high tide.

 

Chis Dunagan Blog.  When we posted our last Update that linked 2010 high tide photos, we did so just as Chris Dunagan had posted his most recent blog covering the same subject - Ecology's request for people to take photos of the high tides.  The link is:  http://pugetsoundblogs.com/waterways/2011/01/21/grab-your-camera-to-share-some-high-tide-photos/

Eagle At Preserve Pond.  We received the following email regarding an eagle that was seen in the detention pond at the Almira parking lot of the Illahee Preserve.  Thanks to all who send these reports.

I wanted to let you know that I saw a bald eagle at the Preserve today.  I drove into the Almira parking lot at about 1:45 and saw a bald eagle emerge from the stormwater retention area.  The eagle took flight as soon as I pulled in so I don't know what it was doing in there, but it didn't have anything in its talons.  My first thought was that it may be preying on waterfowl that use the area but if the eagle was hunting it didn't come up with anything.  It was a really spectacle to witness as the eagle was so close and not the type of bird I was expecting to fly out of the stormwater area.

Deer Photo.  There are a number of people who are regular walkers around the area.  We talked with Tom the other day and he said he regularly saw deer on his walks including some big bucks.  We asked if he would send us a photo, and the next day he did, with these comments.

 Saw that big buck again.  Exact same bed he was in before.  In the wetlands on 3rd.

Port Articles in Kitsap Sun.  It was hard to walk and read after I picked up the Kitsap Sun this morning as my interest was on the article on the Port districts, and what appears to be an effort to consolidate them.  Two feature articles in the Sunday Sun were on the Ports and we have attached the links here.  

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/22/currents-pull-kitsaps-many-micro-ports-in/

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/22/from-bremerton-to-tiny-eglon-each-port-lives-in/

Port Discussion Continues on Monday.  On Monday, the discussion is supposed to continue and we will provide that link later.  There are a number of residents who are snow birds and say they appreciate the Kitsap Sun links, along with others who do not receive the Sun.

Your Port Comments?  After reading these articles we would be interested to hear your thoughts and comments with respect to the general issues and also with respect to the Port of Illahee.

Jim Aho

Video / Store / Petition Info - 10/10/10

Filmmaker Selected to Tell Illahee Story.  We received an email on October 9th, that a filmmaker had been selected to prepare a film about Illahee and more specifically to cover the findings in the Illahee Creek Surface Water Management Plan.  The filmmaker is Shelly Solomon of Leaping Frog Films, who has worked in the area for a number of different groups, including the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, whose website contains some of her work http://www.restorationfund.org/news.php.  The film is part of public information and eduction task of the Dept of Ecology Surface Water Management Plan grant with the Port of Illahee that funded the Parametrix study that has been reported on earlier.  It was felt that few Illahee and county residents are aware that Illahee Creek is contributing to the pollution of Puget Sound because of unconstrained storm water, and that the fixes to resolve the problems are estimated to be $20 million.  Two films will be prepared, a short one, approximately 10 minutes, and a longer one, approximately 30 minutes.

Video Advisory Group Meeting Next Weekend.  A video advisory group is being assembled to help with the telling of the Illahee story, which includes covering a brief history of Illahee, and especially the changes to the area and shoreline resulting from the storm water surges.  Please tell us if you would like to help or could recommend people you think should be interviewed for the film.  We are looking at having a meeting next weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday afternoon (10/16 or 10/17).  We are pushing to get things started soon because the grant ends in 2011 and there isn't much time available to meet the deadlines.  Also, Shelly would like to see if anyone has some historical photos of the area that would be helpful.  Please respond if you can help by calling 479-1049 or reply to this email.   

Illahee Store Information.  In our last Update we noted that a number of you had asked about what was happening at the Illahee store with the recent cleanup.  We had a number of responses including one from the person doing the cleanup.  We have permission to attach her response, which follows:

My name is Judy Blank.  I've been an Illahee homeowner, (on Fern Ave NE), for 9 years.  Over the years I've become increasingly annoyed with the continual slovenly appearance and decay of the Illahee Store and property.  When I first moved here, the little store, while not particularly well kept even then, was at least a functioning business.  It is in a pivotal location and heralds the entrance to our neighborhood....setting the tone for our area's desirability or lack there of!  I would never have purchased my home in an area which had a slum property on the corner.....but that is what I ultimately have!  Last week I visited with Michael, a gentleman who's brother owned the property and had passed away some years ago.  It seems the property was allowed to fall into complete disrepair and neglect since then.  Michael gave me permission to go on the property and do some weed wacking and general tidying up.....which I promptly took advantage of and got out there and attacked some weeds and blackberry vines which were taking over the place.  After I had been out there working for a few hours, another Illahee resident, Jenifer Hillyer, pulled up and was curious about what I was doing.  I just told her I was fed up with the ugly eye sore in our neighborhood, (along with likely decrease in property values because of the mess), and that I had received permission from Michael to tidy things up.  She then offered to contribute to my efforts by having an acquaintance of hers bring his truck to haul the debris away!  I was very happy about her contribution and was very pleased to discover that indeed the debris piles were promptly removed.       So as far as I know....nothing else is going on with the property!  But I certainly would WELCOME & PARTICIPATE in any efforts of my community to help improve the look of this derelict property.  Would you know the current owner's name and address so I, (or better yet, WE), might write a letter pleading the case of our neighborhood's desire to have this property properly cared for?

Thank You Judy and Jenifer!  In response your (Judy's) question regarding the property, we have included the following information on the store along with a recommendation that something be done to resolve the issues you raised.

Illahee Store in the Foreclosure List Again.  We also had someone give us the 2010 Real Property Tax Foreclosure Roll that appeared in the legal section of the September 24th Kitsap News Group papers.  On the list again was the Illahee Store.  The store has had liens against it for years, and every year at the last minute, Flett Dairy Inc. has paid the taxes.  So the question for some, will the taxes be paid again? and if not will the store go up for auction?  One of the responses we received regarding the Illahee Store was the following from someone who was ready to purchase it a few years ago if it went to action.

As for the store - we obtained preliminary bid information and ran title and enviromental for the potential of a SDAP or redevelopment on the property.  The costs were staggering and the risk large for an individual so we moved on to some other projects that we have now completed. I personally am not interested in the property anymore but would be glad to share my files and information with someone who is serious about improving it.  Flett Dairy is really only protecting their lien by paying the taxes and doesn't do it until a day or two before the due day to prevent auction by the county.  Federal taxes and enviormental cleanup costs are the real snag to a new owner redeveloping it other than a public entity like the county or port who could conceivably leverage grant money and 'eminent domain' or 'public good' arguments to limit costs or payouts to third parties.

We think the above assessment is a good one and that it is time to form a group of interested citizens to work with the Port of Illahee and/or the Illahee Community Club to resolve the issues.

Port of Illahee Monitoring The Situation.  Those who attend the Port of Illahee monthly meetings are aware that the Port has been monitoring the situation for years and know they tried themselves and through their lawyer to investigate acquiring the property.

Illahee Petition Results.  We just received the latest results of the petition request to the Port of Illahee to do a number of things, including the most controversial, which is the request for the Port to raise taxes in order to possibly purchase the Timbers Edge development from the owner who approached the Port with an offer.  The Port had stated that if the community could get 500 residents to respond (the average number of voters in the last two elections) and if the response was favorable, the would CONSIDER the possibility of raising the Port tax rate.  The bad news is only 142 responses were mailed in, but the good news is that 93.7% were in favor of a tax increase to help Illahee Creek and to purchase the Timbers Edge properties.  It was felt that many did not vote because of the tax increase as Illahee petitions usually get a 25-40% response, and this time it was only 10%.  The Illahee Community Club is now hoping to work with the Port to find a land trust who could help, as was reported in the last Update.

Thank You For Your Responses!  Thank you to all those who respond to the items in these Updates!  An informed community makes for a better community.  And don't forget to let us know what you would like to see in an Illahee film.

Jim Aho

Various Items - 9/1/10

Kitsap County Fair.  Several of us were at the Kitsap County Fair last week to answer questions regarding the Illahee Preserve, the Illahee Preserve/Illahee Creek Restoration Project, the Illahee Creek Surface Water Management Plan & stormwater issues, and the very recent gifting of the Rolling Hills Golf Course to Kitsap County.  We were there to help explain the many issues pertinent to Illahee and we kept busy all five days of the Fair answering questions.  Below is a photo of the booth that was in the Pavilion.  The Illahee Preserve photo board was in the Park's Dept booth next door.

New Update Recipients.  We found there was much interest in what was happening with the Preserve, Rolling Hills Golf Course, and Illahee in general, with a number being interested enough to want to receive the Illahee Community Updates that are sent out periodically to over 400 recipients.  Most of the new recipients are those who live just outside of the Illahee Community boundaries, but nevertheless want to know what is happening as they are close by neighbors, with many using the Illahee Preserve.

Illahee Preserve Maps.  Over the years there has been considerable interest in the Illahee Preserve and the trail maps at the Fair, and this year we went through more maps than ever.  We depleted the Park's Department pile and had to bring several hundred more that the Rotary and Illahee Forest Preserve group had printed up.  We should note that this is good as it shows the interest in the Preserve and also since we need to update the map very soon because several new trails have been added.

Letter re Rolling Hills.  Last Monday at the Commissioner's meeting the following letter was read by Bob Jarvis.  The same letter was to be sent to the Kitsap Sun, but an earlier draft version was sent instead. We have printed the correct version that thanks Don Rasmussen and Kerma Peterson for their very generous gift of the golf course.

        August 23, 2010

Letter to the Editor:

        Thank you Don Rasmussen and Kerma Peterson, for your extraordinary and especially generous gift of the Rolling Hills Golf Course!  

Illahee has become a recreational destination in Kitsap County and the greater West Sound area in a large part because of your work in establishing a premier and affordable community golf course.  While Illahee’s unique topography has limited development, it has fostered some incredible recreational opportunities such as the golf course, Illahee State Park, the Illahee Preserve, and the Port’s Community Dock, making this area and Kitsap County a great place to live. 

The Illahee Community appreciates your incredible gift and forward thinking that preserves Rolling Hills as a golfing jewel for future generations, and at the same time ensures the continuation of the “meals on wheels” program for seniors throughout the area.  Your gift will also help us eventually control the storm water surges that pollute Illahee Creek and Puget Sound.

Thank you Don and Kerma, Commissioners, and Commissioner Josh Brown for making it all happen!

Barney Bernhard, for the Illahee Community Club

Illahee Community Meeting.  We have been reminded that we did not yet report on the Illahee Community Meeting that was held last Monday evening.  The meeting was primarily spent with Kitsap County presenting information on the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update that is currently underway.  There were many questions and concerns as what will be decided will affect all the Kitsap County shorelines.  The rest of the meeting was primarily reports with no new decisions being made or voted upon.  

Brochures & Petition Delivery.  We have been advised that a stormwater brochure and a packet with a petition and a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet is being distributed throughout the Illahee Community.  Evidently there were approximately 850 petitions out of 1000 that hadn't been distributed as they were hoping for a Grant or Land Trust to buy the Timbers Edge property.  When that didn't happen they decided to continue the petition distribution and decided to include the new stormwater brochure that had just been developed.  They have covered the area north of Third Street and are moving south.  We also heard residents are helping out by covering the Nobles Lane area and Rue Villa.  We have heard they are going to stop when they run out of the 1000 petitions they had printed.  If you don't get one delivered in the next two days, please let us know and we will send you by email the brochure, petition and FAQ.

Wildlife Pictures.  We have several wildlife pictures to pass on.  Deer continue to be frequent visitors to most all of Illahee.  This yearling buck didn't seem to concerned until we got really close.  The cormorants are starting to come back to nearby floats.  A few years ago there was a cormorant at the Illahee dock that acted like it was someone's pet.  The ravens are still in the Preserve, and gray squirrels seem to be moving further into the territory of the native Douglas squirrels.

Port of Illahee Meeting Date Change.  For the month of September only the Port has changed its normal 2nd Wednesday of the month meeting date and will be meeting on Tuesday, September 7th, at 5 pm at their new facility at 5560 Ocean View Blvd.  

Keep Sending in Information.  We will continue to pass information on that you send into us. 

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 6/21/10

Tuesday 6/22/10 Illahee Events.  Two big events going on in Illahee on Tuesday afternoon/evening.  The weeding and mulching starts at 5 pm and the Port meeting begins at 7 pm.  

Weeding and Mulching Volunteers Needed.   On Tuesday 30 yards of mulch is being delivered to the Illahee Preserve's Almira parking lot.  This is one big load of mulch which will fill one large truck and one large trailer.  Volunteers are needed to weed the rain garden plots before the mulch is put down and it is hoped that with enough volunteers the project can be completed on Tuesday, though we have also planned for Wednesday if needed.  If you can help it would be appreciated as the mulch will be dumped at the parking lot and needs to be placed quickly between the plants in the rain garden plots.  Please email us if you have any questions.

Tuesday Port of Illahee Meeting.  We noted Monday that there are a number of signs out in the community notifying residents of the Port of Illahee information meeting on Tuesday (6/22/10) at 7:00 pm at the Port's new office at 5560 Ocean View Blvd .  The Port is hoping for another evening of good attendance as this the third community meeting where they explain what their options are with respect to the Illahee Community Club petition that will be distributed soon to the majority of residents, and has been distributed to a few neighborhoods.  If you haven't received a petition yet they will be available at the meeting.  

East Bremerton Rotary Citizen of the Year.   We have been asked to include the following announcement in an Illahee Community Update of the East Bremerton Rotary Citizen of the Year:

Special Announcement

This past Friday Jim Aho was honored by East Bremerton Rotary as our Citizen of the Year .  Jim was recognized for his phenomenal contribution to Illahee and the greater East Bremerton community thru his tireless contributions toward protection and preservation of Illahee Forest and Illahee Creek.  East Bremerton Rotary adopted Illahee Preserve as an on-going Club project roughly 5 years ago.  East Bremerton Rotary Club members have taken a strong interest in Illahee Preserve and have seen first hand how Jim has poured himself into the improvement of our community thru his work in "all things Illahee."  This is an annual award provided thru the Rotary Club of East Bremerton.  Jim and Kay attended the annual officer installation meeting last Friday where we surprised Jim by presenting him with this award.  The East Bremerton Rotary is grateful for all Jim Aho has done to make our community a better place to live.  Hooray for Jim Aho!

Comment re Announcement.  As the person who edits and distributes the Illahee Community Updates and for the time being has the Update lists, it was necessary for the local Rotary representatives to ask me to include the above announcement in this Update.  While I appreciate the honor and the award, I am continually impressed by Illahee residents and the surrounding community for their support of the Illahee Preserve and Illahee Creek.  And we all need to be especially appreciative of the East Bremerton Rotary for all their support for the Illahee Preserve, from the purchase of the large signs to the spreading of wood chips on the trails.  They are really an amazing and dedicated group supporting many community projects and needs, and we appreciate their adopting the Illahee Preserve as one of those projects!!!

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 6/12/10

Rain Garden Progress Report. We completed weeding and mulching in one of the largest rain garden plots, Plot #4, on Saturday. Attached are photos from Thursday when 4 volunteers braved the rain and finished the weeding but not all the mulching. As you can see from the photos we were almost done with the mulching and down to bare ground at the chip pile when the rain got so heavy that we quit. The rest of the mulching was completed on Saturday and the wood chip pile is now just about totally gone.

Weeding and Mulching Work Party on Wednesday? With the change in weather it is incumbent that we complete the remaining weeding and mulching ASAP. Don Jahaske will be checking on getting a load of beauty bark delivered to the Preserve parking lot, probably 10-12 yards. We are looking at getting the bark on Wednesday with a work party on Wednesday evening from 5 - 7:30 pm. We will be concentrating on weeding and mulching Plot #3, which was designed by a landscape architect, though we didn't follow her plans as well as we wanted because of plant availability. This plot does have small camas bulbs planted along the slightly winding waterway which will make the mulching in that area interesting.

Volunteers Needed. We will want to complete the weeding and mulching on Wednesday so as not to tempt anyone from taking the bark should it not all get spread. We hope to have Aimee, our volunteer botanist and native plant expert, on hand to answer any questions. Once we have a commitment on the delivery of the bark, we will send out an email confirming the Wednesday (6/16/10) date.

Port of Illahee Meeting Signs. We noted that there are a number of signs out in the community notifying residents of the Port of Illahee information meeting on Monday (6/14/10) at 5:30 pm at the Fire Station on Old Military Road. The Port is hoping for a good attendance as they explain what their options are with respect to the Illahee Community Club petition that will be distributed soon to the majority of residents, and has been distributed to a few neighborhoods. We have been told a third meeting is being planned at the new Port meeting room at 5560 Ocean View Blvd at 7 pm on June 22nd in case residents can't make the Monday meeting.

Illahee Community Club "My Turn" Article in Kitsap Sun. We were surprised and pleased to see that the Illahee Community Club responded to the disparaging remarks made by Larry Croix about the Illahee Community Club when he blasted the Port of Illahee a couple of weeks ago in the Kitsap Sun. We like the response and have provided the link to the article below.

MY TURN | The Facts About Illahee Community Club

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/11/my-turn-the-facts-about-illahee-community-club/

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 6/6/10

Illahee Preserve Rock Moved. Some time, hopefully this year, there will be a dedication of the Illahee Preserve's Almira parking lot. Yet to be finished is the dedication rock and the native plant rain garden. The move of the dedication rock into position was one of the hold-ups that was taken care of recently. The rock was moved by Elandan Gardens and the work was paid for by the Illahee Forest Preserve, the non-profit corporation established to help the Preserve and to promote the concept that parks such as the Preserve should be supported and maintained by volunteers to the maximum extent possible . See the attached Don Jahaske photos.

Rain Garden Weeding & Mulching. We decided we can't wait any longer for more mulching wood chips to appear at the Almira parking lot. We will use whatever chips are still there until we run out since the weeds are getting out of control. We are looking at weeding and mulching the rain garden plots this week on Tuesday (6/8/10) and Thursday (6/10/10) from 5-7 pm, and on if needed on Saturday (6/12/10) from 9-11 am. Volunteers are welcome and are needed.

Another Illahee "My Turn" Sun Article. We were happy to see a second positive article about Illahee in Sunday's Kitsap Sun, and congratulate Jim Brady for a well written response to the Larry Croix article. As many find out not all letters sent to the Sun get published and if you pass any on to us that didn't get published we well be glad to send them out in an Update. The link to Mr. Brady's letter is below:

MY TURN | Illahee Purchase Would Protect Creek Flow

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/06/my-turn-illahee-purchase-would-protect-creek/

More Responses Requested re Port's Habitat Plan. The Port's grant writer said he could use several more responses to the Port's Habitat Conservation Plan. Responses are needed by Wednesday June 9th and can simply be to say you agree or disagree with the plan. We have attached one set of comments we received.

1. Thank you for a comprehensive draft Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) and hope that you are receiving comments from other Illahee residents.

2. One important item that didn't get much coverage was the recently county approved sub-area plan, the Illahee Community Plan. The plan corresponds with and complements the HCP, especially the fact that the much of the area is a recreational mecca because of its natural features, which have resulted in two major waterfront recreational docks, two major parks (Illahee State Park and the Illahee Preserve Heritage Park), and a popular golf course open to the public. The natural features make this a recreational economic development area that fits in with the Port requirement to support economic development.

3. The second item that also needs more coverage is how the Illahee Preserve corresponds with and complements the HCP. As the Preserve develops it has become an increasingly popular attraction to both the local community and the the extended areas of Bremerton and Silverdale. The Port has been supportive of the recent native plant demonstration rain gardens that were planted this spring and have committed to future signage stressing the importance of rain gardens to the area.

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 6/3/10

Back In Illahee. Seems like lots has happened recently in Illahee and we will try to catch up now that we are back. Thanks to all who provided us links to various stories. We know that a number of you do not take the Kitsap Sun, and others live elsewhere and want to keep up with what is happening in Illahee, so we have tried to provide links to keep everyone informed.

Missing Person. We read about a person missing after going jogging near Illahee State Park and assume the story is still active.

Trail Goes Cold in Search for Missing Bremerton 19-Year-Old

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/may/25/trail-goes-cold-in-search-for-missing-bremerton/

Fish Pens. We noted with interest the move of Rich Passage fish pens from the Bainbridge side to the Manchester side of the channel. Many were not around when fish pens were approved for Illahee, and had local residents not successfully appealed to the Shorelines Hearings Board, we would likely be dealing with some of the same issues. (Note that one of the reasons some feel we were successful is because of the lack of sufficient tidal action to take away fish droppings.)

Salmon Pens to Move from Bainbridge to Manchester

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/may/25/salmon-pens-to-move-from-bainbridge-to/

Illahee Preserve/Illahee Creek Restoration Project. In 2003 the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee established a master plan for the Illahee Preserve and with the help of the Park's department and various grants increased the the Preserve acreage to approximately 460 acres. All of the acquisitions and conservation easements were voluntary and supported by all involved. When it became obvious that the 1999 culvert under Illlahee Road was filling with sediment, Kitsap County Public Works noted that a detailed watershed study was needed to determine how best to control the sediment, and so the Port of Illahee, who was also being adversely affected by the sediment, successfully applied for a Department of Ecology grant. The grant report findings were then used as the basis for updating the master plan, which has been titled "Illahee Preserve/Illahee Creek Restoration Project - Master Plan for Acquisitions and Easements." The plan has been approved by the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee, the Illahee Forest Preserve (the non-profit group supporting the Preserve), and endorsed by the Illahee Community Club, and with the acknowledgement and support of Kitsap County Parks and the Port of Illahee. The plan is the basis for many of the actions that have followed.

Port Habitat Plan. The Port of Illahee is applying for next step grants to the Department of Ecology grant, to support the grant report findings, and their own master plan which is called the Port of Illahee Habitat Conservation Plan. The draft of the plan is available for reading and commenting on at http://tinyurl.com/Port-of-Illahee. We copied the following information from the link:

The Port of Illahee is applying for 2 grants from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office. As part of these applications the Port needs to adopt a habitat conservation plan and needs to show that the community is supportive of the plan. So we are asking that the residents read this plan and submit comments. These comments, positive or negative will be submitted as an appendix to the plan as evidence that the community weighed in on the process.

Your comments are very appreciated and since the schedule is very tight for the grant process we ask that your comments be emailed as soon as possible. Like this week sometime.

Thank you,

Kitsap Sun Article. The recent article in the Kitsap Sun about the Port's response to a community petition (which was passed on in an earlier Update) evidently didn't register very well with some and a few days later a "Community Columnist" by the name of Larry Croix had the following article:

LARRY CROIX | A Step Too Far in Illahee

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/may/27/larry-croix-a-step-too-far-in-illahee/

We don't know anything about Larry and whether he is a Illahee resident or not. We have been told he is a Port Orchard resident, but have not verified it. He certainly didn't have anything nice to say about the Illahee Community Club.

Port of Illahee Response. And in Sunday's Kitsap Sun was a response from the Port of Illahee, which is linked below.

MY TURN | A Response From the Port of Illahee

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/may/30/my-turn-a-response-from-the-port-of-illahee/

Tuesday Port Meeting. And in this morning's Kitsap Sun was the latest article about the Port meeting that was held on Tuesday evening.

Few Turn Out to Hear More on Illahee Port's Proposed Land Purchase

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/jun/02/few-turn-out-to-hear-more-on-illahee-ports-land/

Our Thoughts? We are holding our thoughts until we have had time to gather some more information. If you have thoughts we will pass them on. We only note a person's name if they give us permission. While we have our thoughts, we want others to be able to have theirs presented, and will pass on what you provide.

Jim Aho

Important Meeting & Miscellaneous Items - 5/29/10

Important Meeting. We received the following information about an important Port of Illahee informational meeting on Tuesday evening, and then another one two weeks later. Note: We were hoping to get this information out earlier but have been on a trip and not able to access the internet until now.

Port of Illahee informational meetings: Fire station #41 Old Military Rd. on Tue 6/1 and Mon 6/14 at 5:30pm. The Port Commissioners want to hear from all Community Members in the Port District. We will have information on the Illahee Plan, the petition from the Illahee Community Club, the Port's opportunity with the Timber Edge option and how these issues could potentially effect community members.

Kitsap Sun Letter? We also received a call that there was a lengthy letter to the editor in the Kitsap Sun with some mis-information about the Port of Illahee's position and the Illahee Community's petition. We will try to get more information on the letter and provide a link for those who have not had a chance to read it, including us.

A Complex Solution. We have felt the issues are complex and that the Illahee Community Club needs to come up with a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet to help explain the issues. The early article in the Kitsap Sun evidently rose more questions than could be presented in a short article. We volunteered to help with the FAQ since we received a number of calls and emails from those needing more information. We wish we had gotten to the FAQs before our trip but will be working on in later this upcoming week.

Illahee Preserve Map Signs. Just before we left we were surprised to see that someone had put up map signs at the beginning of the three main trail systems. Below are pictures of two of them, and we want to express thanks to the person/s for their thoughtfulness. A trail sign system is being designed as an Eagle Scout project for installation this summer and it is nice to see volunteers taking care of Preserve needs.

More Info Later. We will be sending out more information later this next week.

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous Items - 5/19/10

Geese Try to Drown Eagle. We just have to report on this story as we see the number of Canada goose gosling's get fewer each day.

The other day two families of Canada geese were swimming in Illahee when a bald eagle evidently swooped down to get one of the goslings. I heard the commotion and saw three adult Canada geese jumping on top of the eagle and trying to drown it. The eagle eventually got free and left without the gosling, probably just glad to make it out alive as they kept him underwater for some time.

Port Needs Input For Grant. One of the ways the Port of Illahee has been helpful with keeping the tax rate down has been through its success with obtaining grants. The Port is applying for additional grants and they need to show citizen support, in this case either for or against. Please click on the underlined link to see the plan write-up and then email your response to Luis Barrantes or to us and we will forward it on. This is essentially the plan supported by the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee, the Illahee Forest Preserve, and the Illahee Community Club, and they would all appreciate you taking the time to comment

The Port of Illahee is applying for 2 grants from the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office. As part of these applications the Port needs to adopt a habitat conservation plan and needs to show that the community is supportive of the plan. So we are asking that the residents read this plan and submit comments. These comments, positive or negative will be submitted as an appendix to the plan as evidence that the community weighed in on the process.

Your comments are very appreciated and since the schedule is very tight for the grant process we ask that your comments be emailed as soon as possible. Like this week sometime.

Thank you,

Luis Barrantes, luisbarrantes@comcast.net

Link to plan: http://tinyurl.com/Port-of-Illahee

Kitsap Sun Reports on Settlement. Illahee made the front page of the Kitsap Sun this morning with the following headline: "Accord May End Illahee Land Battle." The Sun heard about the Illahee Community meeting on Monday and called to ask about what had transpired. They also called the Port and Ron Templeton, the attorney for Jim James. We know not everyone gets the Sun so please click on the attached link and read the article as it helps explain why the petitions are needed.

Link to the article: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/may/18/settlement-sale-could-end-fight-over-proposed/

Raccoons. We have noticed a number of raccoons out foraging during the day in Illahee, both inland and along the beaches. We thought they were mostly nocturnal and were surprised to see so many during the middle of the day, including one napping along side the road.

Jim Aho