arlier this year we initiated what we dubbed a “revisioning” process by putting together a road map to lead us through a series of detailed steps to gather information on current Puget Sound issues and possible outcomes for a potential organizational evolution.

Among other things, we wanted to learn what the folks working on the frontlines of Puget Sound recovery felt were gaps in local and regional work that needed attention. And, in what ways an evolved POI might be of the most benefit should we decide to continue as an organization.

Now, after detailed research and input from consultation with agency staff, elected officials, statewide and local environmental leaders, ecologists – including orca and salmon specialists – and most importantly, with our membership, we have developed a bold new plan to move forward with work that ensures the protection of both local nearshore ecosystems and greater Puget Sound habitats.

In this new role, POI will continue to work on locally foused projects to tenaciously protect and preserve island habitats while at the same time branching out to work as regional regulatory “watchdog” group to ensure the protection of the greater Puget Sound nearshore.

LOCALLY, we will be working to ensure that the new park’s management and arsenic clean up plans are developed wisely and with ecosystem protection in mind. We will also be providing oversight and advocacy to both the low-dissolved oxygen issues in Quartermaster Harbor as well as the work being done to address potentially failing septic systems along the harbors shoreline.

And, we will beworking on the Department of Natural Resources upcoming revision of the Management Plan for the Maury Island Aquatic Reserve, making sure to close the loopholes left by former Commissioner Sutherland and establishing a plan that holds the primary purpose of environmental protection.

REGIONALLY, the “watchdog“ arm of the organization will move forward with POI doing what we do best…which is working to ensure that regulatory agencies do their mandated job of appropriately applying existing environmental laws during shoreline permitting decisions and making sure that important habitats and species are protected.