Road & Preserve Work - 12/3/10

Guard Rail Work.  Many were surprised on Thursday to see guard rails being installed along Illahee Road at about the middle of the one mile long Illahee hill.  The guard rail on the west side is 135 feet long and the one on the east side is 150 feet long.  Next will be a 300 foot long guard rail just north of the big rock near the top of the hill, and in the vicinity of where a vehicle crashed into the trees at Illahee Shores a few months ago. 

Safety Features.  We talked with the Kitsap County Public Works person monitoring the installation on Thursday, Gregg Kanyer, who said the guard rails being installed have a number of safety features in case they were run into.  Because Illahee Road has narrow shoulders in some places we were happy they were using steel vertical supports rather than the wood ones as that seems to give more available lateral shoulder clearance for those who pedestrians who walk.  We have attached several photos of the project for those who don't travel that route.

Portable Traffic Light System.  We were impressed by the portable traffic light system used to manage one lane traffic.  It seemed to work much better than flag persons.  

Illahee Preserve Downed Trees.  The recent storm resulted in a number of trees blown down in the Illahee Preserve.  Trail work last weekend and earlier this week removed 32 trees that had fallen across trails.  Note that this work is all being done by volunteers as the Preserve continues to be an experiment with volunteers planning, maintaining and supporting the Preserve in partnership with the County Parks Department.  Thanks especially to the Rotary clean-up crew, and the Stewardship Committee clean-up crew.

Eagle Scout Sign Installation on Sunday (12/4/10).  We are fortunate to have two Boy Scouts looking for Eagle Scout projects in the Preserve.  The first project is scheduled to happen on Sunday with the installation of trail signs.  Signs have been a need for some time.  Those who regularly use the Preserve have learned the trail system.  Others have had a hard time finding their way through the forest and have gotten lost and have asked for signs to help them.  Thanks to all who volunteer to make the Preserve the treasure it is.  The other project is still in the definition stage and will be reported on later.

Jim Aho

Illahee Meeting on Monday (11/29/10) at 6:15 pm - 11/27/10

Meeting Signs Up in Illahee.  There are 10 signs up around the Illahee Community, though there are usually a few more that were lost.  If your neighborhood needs a sign, please let us know and we will contact the Illahee Community Club.

Meeting is at the Port of Illahee's New Office.  The Port of Illahee meeting place is at 5560 Ocean View Blvd, which is a block up Ocean View from Illahee Road, near the Illahee community dock.

Time is 6:15 pm.  We were initially told the meeting would be at 6:30 pm so we asked "why the change?"  Seems the evening meetings at the library were always at 6:15 pm because they closed at 8 pm, and all the signs already had 6:15 pm on them, so that is what it now is.

Agenda.  We also found out that the agenda will include a summary presentation of 16 Illahee projects that are either currently going on or are being proposed, including Rolling Hills Golf Course, Timbers Edge, the Illahee Preserve, and Illahee Creek.  We were amazed at the number of Illahee projects and think this a presentation of interest to all residents.

Tight Meeting Room.  We have been asked to advise residents that the meeting room is smaller than the library's, so it may be a little tight.  There are some bringing extra chairs to add to those that are already there.

Questions?  We think we will be able to answer any questions regarding this meeting so if you have any give us a call at 479-1049.

Jim Aho

Miscellaneous - 11/24/10

November Winter Storm.  Monday's snowfall and then later in the day and early Tuesday, the cold north wind has left its mark on Illahee.  Tuesday morning found trees and power lines down, evidently from some wind gusts from the west, and icy roadways.  We went walking around part of Illahee on both days and the difference was striking.


Another Chipmunk.  On Monday we saw a chipmunk scouring for food in the snow, and wondered why it wasn't hibernating.  We think by Monday evening it was wondering the same thing.  We have heard that chipmunks hibernate in the winter and expect that is true, but we were told by the property owner that this guy was back at his bird feeder on Tuesday in the frigid weather.

Young Deer.  We also watched a young deer on Monday as it seemed fascinated by the snow.  Unfortunately is was snowing hard at the time and the photo of the deer at the side of the road is obscured.

Leaning Power Pole.  This leaning power pole on East Blvd was reported to us early Tuesday morning and was taken care of by late in the afternoon.

Trees Down.  Not only did some people loose power Monday evening, but they were having problems getting out of their areas due to fallen trees.  The fallen tree photos were from Quinault Drive, Sunset (East End), and Hicks Ave.  The Sunset tree took down the power line and left bare wires on the ground.

Power Outages.  There were lots of power outages in Illahee (which goes from 30th Street on the south end, to University Point on the north end), which have mostly been taken care of from what we have heard.  Those in the more central or historic part of Illahee were more fortunate with this storm as they only had some power fluctuations.

Humming Birds.  On Tuesday morning we had a report of 5 humming birds sitting on this feeder, and another one close by, evidently waiting for the sun to thaw the frozen sugar water.  We asked them for a picture but they could only get two of them at the feeder.

Photos & Reports.  If you have any photos or reports you would like to share, please send them on.

Jim Aho

Wildlife & Miscellaneous - 11/21/10

Chipmunks.  We know there are a number of Illahee residents who have chipmunks in their yards.  We snapped a photo of one during a recent walk.  

Deer.  We heard about a big 4 point buck that got hit and killed on McWilliams last week.  The county hauls dead deer away if they are aware of them.  In past years there are usually 2 or 3 local deer, that we know of, that get hit by cars during the rutting season.

More Wildlife Comments Soon.  We realize that we need to report on some pressing matters and will continue later with more wildlife photos and information.

Illahee Creek Culvert.  Of concern to many in Illahee is the status of the Illahee Creek Culvert.  It has filled to a point where a major storm could cause major problems and possibly wash out the culvert and road.  We took a couple of photos this week to give you an idea just how much sediment has accumulated.  This is one of the possible agenda items that could be brought up at the upcoming Illahee Community Club (ICC) meeting.

ICC Quarterly Meeting 11/29/10.  The Illahee Community Club (ICC) has scheduled its quarterly meeting for next Monday evening (11/29/10) at the Port of Illahee's meeting room at 5560 Ocean View Blvd from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.  They were unable to find available times at the library and are thankful that the Port of Illahee has a place within the community where they can meet, though it may be a little crowded (it is a big room but not as big as the library meeting room) and there are currently not enough chairs (if anyone knows where they can get some folding or stacking chairs, the ICC would like to talk with you).  Parking is also limited and people will probably need to park at the Illahee store or along Madrona.  We  will send out a reminder of this meeting and hopefully an agenda later in the week.

Saturday's Preserve Work Party.  We really should have let people know about the amazing work party the East Bremerton Rotary scheduled this past Saturday (11/20/10) but we knew it was going to be big and didn't want to flood the area with too many people.  We aren't exactly sure how they do it, but they keep getting bigger work parties each time they schedule an event.  So how big was this event?  If you count just the people who signed in there were 32 from the aircraft carrier John C Stennis, 14 from Naval Base Kitsap, 19 from the East Bremerton Rotary, and 8 from the Illahee Community, which totals 73.  We have attached a group photo that was taken at the end of those who were still there.  

Piles of Wood Chips Moved.  Over the past 5 months tree companies have been dumping chips at the Preserve.  When they filled the normal chip delivery area, they started dumping them in the parking lot, and we had to move some as it is an offense to block the handicapped parking areas.  The goal was to get rid of all those chips by placing them on the trails and around the parking lot, which they did.  See the picture of them loading chips and then realize the group photo was taken were the chips were previously.

Dedication Comments.  We have been told a number of times about how those who attended the Illahee Preserve dedication (on October 26th) enjoyed it in spite of the rainy weather.  We were also told that the dedication was so special for one family that they donated $500 to the Illahee Forest Preserve (IFP), which is the support non-profit group for the Illahee Preserve.  It was the IFP that paid to have the dedication rock moved into place, and paid for the dedication plaque and installation.  If any others are interested in contributing, the IFP is a 501.c.3 non-profit corporation and gifts are tax deductible, as allowed by law, as is the Illahee Community Club, PO Box 2563, Bremerton, WA 98310.

Volunteer Supported.  We should note that the Illahee Preserve is a Kitsap County Heritage Park that is an experiment in which primarily volunteers plan, support and maintain the Preserve.  This is possible because of the support of the East Bremerton Rotary, who not only supports with work parties, but also has paid for the signs at Thompson Lane and the Almira parking lot; along with support from the IFP, the Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee, the Illahee Community Club, the Illahee Community, and the Port of Illahee.   The experiment is working as more and more volunteers show up to help and support the Preserve.  Thanks to all involved!!!

Jim Aho

Illahee Preserve Dedication Report - 11/15/10

ILLAHEE PRESERVE DEDICATION - OCTOBER 26, 2010 

Second Hand Information.  The following report is based on second hand information so we thank those who passed on the following information.

Windy & Rainy Weather.  The weather couldn't have been worse with rain and wind during the dedication.

Two Tents Were In Place.  Thankfully the county had set up two tents for those attending next to the Almira parking lot.

Why a Weekday & Morning Dedication?  It was one of the few times available for both Frank Chopp and Josh Brown.  Frank is the Washington State Speaker of the House in Olympia and has a tight schedule and this was a date that worked for him and Josh Brown.  

Why was Frank Chopp Recognized?  Frank was just one of the two people specifically named on the dedication plaque.  The other was Audrey Boyer, an Illahee resident, who was Frank's teacher years ago.  It was because of that teacher student relationship that Audrey and Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen approached Speaker Chopp about what needed to be done for Kitsap County to be able to purchase the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Illahee Forest.   

Commissioners Were Supportive.  In order for the process to move ahead the other commissioners also had to be in agreement, which eventually involved three other commissioners in addition to Chris Endresen, Tim Botkin, Patty Lent (who attended the dedication), and Jan Angel.  The second line on the dedication plaque recognized the County Commissioners.

Visionary Citizens and Volunteers.  The third line on the plaque recognized the visionary citizens and volunteers, who for over 25 years were working for the purchase and establishment of the DNR property for a preserve and park.  It took all three groups to "Save the Forest" and the dedication ceremony recognized their achievement.

Eagle Flying Over the Ceremony.  Some of the attendees found it striking, even ominous, that during the dedication ceremony a bald eagle circled overhead as if to thank the recipients for saving one of the few forested areas between Bremerton and Silverdale.

A Moving Ceremony.  In spite of the inclement weather, we were told the ceremony was very moving.  Josh Brown was the master of ceremonies, Frank Chopp was reminiscent and humerous, Dori Leckner spoke for the Park's Department, Vic Ulsh spoke for the Stewardship Committee, Jim Trainer talked about the trees in the Preserve, and Judith Krigsman paid tribute to Audrey Boyer.

John Lind Photos.  John Lind is an Illahee resident who has been our unofficial photographers and we have included some of his photos of the dedication.  We are working at getting the rest of them on the illaheecommunity.com website.

Written Input Requested.  If you attended the dedication ceremony, we would like to have you provide a written report of the dedication so that we could pass it on.

Jim Aho

Lost Cat - 11/9/10

Returned From Trip.  We just returned from an extended road trip and need to catch up with Illahee issues.  We were able to put out an Update while on the road notifying residents of the Illahee Preserve Dedication that took place on October 26th and will put an Update regarding that event after we talk with some of those who attended, since it was not covered by the local press.  

Lost Cat.  We received the following email on November 3rd and just verified tonight that the cat has still not been found. 

We're looking for a cat - black with a little white on his neck and paws.  About 8 years old.  "Buzz"  The cat lives in Illahee North, and he's been gone since early Monday morning.  Please look in your garages and cars and anywhere a cat could go to hide.  He disappeared the morning it rained so hard.

Please e-mail me if you have seen him:  laurie@marbledog.net

Other Items?  Since returning we have noticed boats, divers and submersibles working along the shoreline north of the Illahee dock.  They appear to be looking for something and we presume they must be military since there appear to be no markings on the boats.  Let us know if you have any information about what might be going on, or if you have any other information to be passed on.

Jim Aho

Illahee Preserve Dedication - 10/23/10

Illahee Preserve Dedication on Tuesday Morning.  The Illahee Preserve will have its official dedication on Tuesday morning at 9:30 am in the Almira road parking lot.  The Preserve is the largest tract of land in Illahee at about 560 acres with the addition of Rolling Hills.  It is significantly larger than the 75 acre Illahee State Park, and represents roughly one third of Illahee's total land area.  If all of the planned acquisitions and conservation easements were to materialize, the total acreage would be close to 40 percent.   Despite it's size, the preserve is a unique part of Illahee that has not yet been discovered by many residents, and this will be a great opportunity to learn about the preserve and it's establishment. The official press release for the dedication is attached below.

Jim Aho

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:	October 21, 2010
Contact:	Josh Brown, Kitsap County Central District Commissioner, 360-337-7146 Jim Dunwiddie, Kitsap County Parks & Recreation Director, 360-337-5350 Vic Ulsh, Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee,  692-6900 Jim Aho, Illahee Forest Preserve (non-profit support group), 479-1049 or 649-1049 Dennis Sheeran, Port of Illahee, 692-6971 Barney Bernhard, Illahee Community Club,  479-3679
No:	10-57

Illahee Preserve Dedication

(Port Orchard, WA) – The official dedication of the Illahee Preserve, a Kitsap County Heritage Park, is Tuesday, October 26, 2010. A dedication ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot on Almira Drive, about 700 feet south of Fuson Road in Bremerton..  A dedication plaque is set on a big rock unearthed while constructing the parking lot.

Specifically honored at the dedication are those who were instrumental in the purchase of the Preserve: Frank Chopp, Washington State Speaker of the House; Chris Endresen, former Kitsap County Commissioner for the Illahee area; and Audrey Boyer, Illahee community resident and proponent for the county purchase of the DNR property. Other public officials supporting the purchase were former County Commissioners Tim Botkin, Patty Lent, and Jan Angel, and the many dedicated residents who for over 25 years advocated for the purchase of the property, and establish a park there.

Kitsap County purchased the remaining 352 acres of the Illahee School Trust lands from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in 2001. The County approved a Stewardship Plan in 2003. The plan named the property the “Illahee Preserve,” and recommended an aggressive approach to purchasing adjoining properties, primarily those riparian areas along the Illahee Creek corridor toward Puget Sound. During the past seven years, through grants and gifts—the latest being the gift of the Rolling Hills Golf Course—the acreage has grown to approximately 560 acres.

“The Illahee Preserve was conceived as, and continues to be, an experiment in community planning. Volunteers are taking the lead in planning, maintaining, and supporting a major park facility. The Illahee Preserve Stewardship Committee, the Illahee Forest Preserve Non-Profit Corporation, the Rotary Club of East Bremerton, the Port of Illahee, and the Illahee Community Club are all major contributing partners of the Preserve. By combining local community volunteers, committed community groups, and working alongside Kitsap County Parks Department we are creating a premier nature preserve and park, and we’re doing it as a community,” said Jim Aho.

Meet Filmmaker & Discuss Possibilities on Friday 10/15 - 10/13/09

Film Meeting Friday (10/15) Evening.  This Friday we will have an opportunity to meet Shelly Solomon, the filmmaker who will be doing two films on Illahee.  It will also be an opportunity for local residents to weigh in on what they would like to see presented, especially as the film will present some local history of Illahee.

Meeting in Port of Illahee Office.  We will meet in the new Port of Illahee office which is the residential building at 5560 Ocean View Blvd, at 7 pm.

What Issues should be Presented?  We received a box of shells from someone who collected them roughly 50 years ago along the Illahee Shoreline (see attached photos).  We were surprised that they had come from here because we had never seen shells like these along the beach.  Should these be shown as an indication of how the beach creatures have changed over the years?  This is just one question or issue that we may want to see included.  Shelly is a biologist and is interested in issues like this.

Sediment Issues.  A number or shoreline residents have commented on the buildup of sediment, primarily north of Illahee Creek and around the Illahee Community dock.  Should we have a diver film the buildup of sediment under the dock and floats?  And there are stories about people getting stuck in the mud in the vicinity of the dock.  Should these be included?  What about those waterfront property owners whose shellfish beds have disappeared?

Who Should be Interviewed?  We will need to come up with a list of those in the area who should be interviewed or whose story should be told.  There are residents who have lived near Illahee Creek and know it better than anyone.  Also, there are those who have lived on the shoreline at areas from University Point to Illahee State Park, and places in between, who can tell us the changes they have seen over the years.

Who Should Attend?  Anyone who has ideas and who would like to have some input into the Illahee film.  Remember that Illahee is new to Shelly and she needs to be brought up to speed on the history.  We need broad input and hope to see many of you there.

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 - 10/6/10

Illahee Preserve Incident.  We received a copy of an email this evening (10-6-10) that someone walking in the Preserve about 6:15 pm when an "individual came around a corner wearing a hooded sweater with a very shady appearance, and had a gun in his hand and was attempting to hide it behind his back".  The lady said she and her dog turned and ran back to the parking lot.  It left them quite shaken.  The email was sent to the sheriff and the Parks Department.  That is all we know, but will keep everyone informed if we hear more.

Illahee Preserve Dedication.  We saw the Illahee Preserve dedication plaque that is to be placed on the big rock in the Almira parking lot.  The dedication is to take place when some of the persons responsible for the purchase of the Preserve can all be there, but definitely sometime in 2010.  We expect that someone will soon be working grinding down on flat area on the rock for the plaque.  We will let you know when the dedication is scheduled.

Illahee Store Cleanup?  We had a number of people inquire about what was happing with the cleanup in front of the Illahee Store (which is at the corner of Ocean View Blvd and Illahee Road and just across the street from the Illahee Community Dock).  We also noticed that the area had been cleaned up and took the attached photo.  If anyone knows what is happening, please let us know.

Wildlife Updates?  No unique items to report, but just the continued reporting of the animals we live with everyday.  

Deer.  Some have had the group of five deer, two does and three young ones, regularly visiting.  They even ate a bunch of miniature pumpkins off some door steps.  Attached is a picture of a peach tree they seem to be especially fond of.

Seals.  There are often a few seals on the raft shown in the attached picture, but beginning now until spring, the raft fills with seals that can be seen nearly every morning.

Coyotes.  Attached is a coyote report we received this morning.

 Last evening about 10:30 PM the coyotes that apparently have a den on the Keller Lots next to me were howling and yipping for several minutes. Earlier this week they woke me up very early in the morning. I've spotted one crossing my field during the day on occasion.

Petition Response.  We are still waiting to get an update of the status of the Petition response, so in the meantime what we know is that the Illahee Community Club (ICC) appears to be way short of the getting the 500 and has ended up with somewhere between 100 and 200 responses.  Of the responses that have come in so far the number of favorable response has been over 90% for, with those against being primarily opposed to any tax increase.

ICC Board Meeting.  We also heard that the ICC Board met at the end of September and voted to approach the Port of Illahee to see if the two groups could work together to find an interested land trust to purchase the Timbers Edge property.  Evidently there are land trusts out there with money to purchase properties for a variety of reasons, and it is up to groups like the ICC and Port to make the case for the purchase.

Jim Aho

Various Items - 9/16/10

Illahee Road Accident Info & Photos.  Received some more information and some photos of the accident that occurred last Friday evening on Illahee Road.  Thanks to neighbors who helped and then passed the following information on to the community as this accident was not reported in the papers.

Here are some pictures my son took of the wreck. The driver
fled the scene - he was lucky to be alive! Sure hope everyone drives
safely!

.......terrible crash.....lots of police and fire trucks ........  ;-(

We ran down  to check and call 911....but the people from the trailer court were even faster and had called ....

The driver did however crawl out of the wreck and up the steep slope and ran away...... unbelievable that he was able to do that......

We talked with other people who knew him and he came apparently from the house only a bit up the road (with big gate) and drove full power in the ditch.....

The truck is gone....but the driver is O.K.       thank goodness

That is the third accident this year down below us.....!!!!!!!

Deer Photos.  Received the following note and the deer pictures this afternoon as we started this update.

These 4 deer were grazing in my front yard (University Point Circle) this afternoon. The 4 point buck looked like he had some mixture of fallow deer.

Illahee Creek Culvert Partial Clean Out.  Early last Thursday morning (9/9/10) the county cleaned 4 or 5 truck loads the sediment out at the outlet side of the culvert that goes under Illahee Road.  By removing the sediment and creating a depression (hole) at the end of the culvert, they are hoping the sediment level inside the culvert will decrease enough to prevent the failure of the culvert.   

Illahee Creek Culvert in Jeopardy?  The clear opening at the inlet (upstream end) of the culvert before the clean out was 31 inches, which is significantly less than what the culvert was designed for.  The clear opening height will continue to be monitored by the community as well as the county.  If there were to be a storm like there was on December 3rd of 2007, there is a strong likelihood the culvert would not be able to handle the stormwater and the culvert and road would probably wash out.

The Rain Garden Solution.   The initial cost to fix the stormwater problems affecting the culvert, Illahee Creek, and Puget Sound is estimated at $20 million, but if each resident in the watershed installed a bio-retention facility it could go a long way to help.  That is why some 1600 copies of the attached brochure have been printed and distributed at public events like the Fair and have been partially circulated in the community.  As the brochure states "While major work will be required to correct all the sedimentation problems, the immediate solution of having home owners install rain gardens is one thing that can be done now...."  The brochure is also downloadable on the illaheecommunity.com website.

Illahee Community Petition.  We have been asked if we could resend the petition as a number of you reported either not receiving the petition packet.  Attached is an updated black and white version of the petition and the Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) sheet, which are also available at the website illaheecommunity.com.  While the current response is 94% in support of the petition, they are reportedly well below the 500 responses desired and are asking that residents would respond one way or the other.

Request for Email Petition.  We found out that a few had send email responses, and we have been asked if that was acceptable.  We contacted the ICC and they were advised by their local legal counsel that email responses such as attached below or on the website are acceptable and should be sent to:  web@illaheecommunity.com

Jim Aho

_____Yes!  I agree with the petition and add my signature in support of the Port taking these actions.

_____No!  I am sorry but I cannot support the petition.  (Please let us know your reasons.)

Comments:    ______________________________________________________________________________

                       ______________________________________________________________________________

                       ______________________________________________________________________________

                       ______________________________________________________________________________

NAME        _____________________________________SIGNATURE__________________________________

ADDRESS __________________________________________EMAIL__________________________________

CITY, STATE, ZIP ___________________________________________________PHONE__________________

Various Items - 9/8/10

Friday Evening Accident.  Not many details, but several reports and pictures of a pickup truck that went off Illahee Road about 11:30 pm Friday (9/3/10) at the trailer court on Illahee hill.  We were first notified about the accident on Saturday morning by those who passed by the accident scene late Friday, and then again on Monday, when they closed Illahee Road while they pulled the car out of the trees.  We dont know if anyone got hurt.  If anyone has any details of the accident please let us know and we will pass it on.

Illahee Preserve Dumping.  A number of bags of insulation were dumped at the Illahee Preserve Almira parking lot over the weekend - see the attached photo.  A Kitsap County parks department employee was picking up trash collected by a volunteer group who recently cleaned up along Thompson Lane, and picked up the trash at the parking lot.  We are thankful to have a very responsive Parks Department to partner with as volunteers work to maintain the Illahee Preserve.

Illahee State Park Temporary Closure.  Illahee State Park made the headlines of the Kitsap Sun on Wednesday regarding the temporary closure of the Park while a new sewer system is installed.  Following is the link to the article: According to the article it closes next week and will be closed until April, though people will still be able to walk in the park. http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/sep/07/illahee-state-park-to-close-next-week-for/

Memorial Fund for Kara Established.  Also in Wednesday's Kitsap Sun was an article regarding a memorial fund that is being set up for Kara Radabah.   The headline and link to the article follows:  Fund Established Honoring Bremerton Woman Found Dead Near Park  http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2010/sep/07/fund-established-honoring-bremerton-woman-found/

Petition Distribution.  Between 1,100 and 1,200 petition packets have now been delivered to residents living within the Port of Illahee boundaries.  It appears the number of households in the Port must be around 1,300 to 1,400, so not every resident received a packet.  We attached the contents of the packet, the petition, a FAQ, and a stormwater brochure, to an earlier email Update.  If you need us to send you another, or have a neighbor who needs a packet, please let us know and we will pass the information to the ICC.  

Petition Results.  We know that statistically responses to these type of distributions are lucky to have a 10-15% return.  When earlier distributions were made in Illahee they received around a 40% return.  Up through Saturday the early response has been 93 for and 6 against, which would be a 9% return so far, but with distributions ending this week, they are hoping the numbers responding will be closer to normal.  The big difference is the petition is asking residents if they would agree to a possible increase in Port taxes in this case.  Please let the Illahee Community Club and Port of Illahee know how you feel.

Our Thoughts.  We are amazed at the current high percentage supporting the petition and that so many are supportive of the possibility of having their taxes raised for a few years in order to protect the Illahee Creek corridor.  We are hoping that with the addition of the golf course, which brings current Illahee Preserve acquisition to 80% of its Master Plan, that a Land Trust may be willing to come in and help, along with possible grants and gifts, thereby negating the need to raise anyones taxes. 

Your Thoughts?  Let us know your thoughts so we can pass them on.

Jim Aho