Protect the Peninsula's Future

A nonprofit public benefit corporation registered in Washington State since 1973. We are dedicated to environmental protection, so as to enhance the quality of life for present and future citizens of the North Olympic Peninsula.

DUE TO OUR EFFORTS (often with the invaluable assistance of others)...

• A nuclear power plant was stopped on Miller Peninsula, as were subsequent attempts to use the same site for an off-road vehicle park and a foreign-owned resort/housing enclave. The land has become Miller Peninsula State Park, a magnificent 2800 acre tract fronting both the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Discovery Bay.
• Two major oil port proposals were defeated. No need now to fear air pollution from tank farms or refineries.
• John Wayne Marina in Sequim Bay was required to have a public boat launch and park. Creosote pilings in the marina must gradually be converted to nontoxic materials.
• Sewage formerly discharged into Sequim Bay from Sequim Bay State Park now is used to fertilize trees.
• Sewage from the City of Sequim is treated to the highest possible standards for beneficial uses, away from salt water and shellfish beds. (This result in 1992 would have cost $1.4 million according to our professional engineer, Dr. Gerhart, specializing in created wetlands. Sequim instead chose a $6 million conventional alternative.) This reuse program will support water needs such as construction, irrigating school grounds and other landscaping, and groundwater recharge. Reused water can offset loss of water being drawn from the Dungeness River, which is critically short of water in summer.
• A change in designation of Sequim Bay shorelines from Urban/Suburban to Rural classification was effected, and it now is a requirement to have the highest possible standards (AA) for the Bay's water quality.

OUR PRESENT ACTIVITIES AND GOALS . . .

We continue to monitor public agencies and to stay aware of proposed land uses that could impact the environment. We have keen interest in the goals and purposes of many key statutes: Acts dealing with Growth Management; Public Disclosure; Shorelines of the State; Clean Water; Clean Air; Endangered Species; and the Public Trust Doctrine. Two areas of focused concern are keeping us busy: 1.) Restoration of fisheries, particularly in the Dungeness River, and 2.) Toxic waste and exposures relating to the Rayonier pulp mill and landfills in Port Angeles.

Hopes for a major Northern Puget Sound Marine Sanctuary have dimmed, but still we support a sanctuary from Cape Flattery to Admiralty Inlet, should this become politically feasible.

We hope Sequim Bay will become free of all sewage pollution so shellfish from this bay can become a highly valuable crop, certified safe to eat raw.

We sponsor educational programs to enhance public awareness and appreciation of the environment and local issues.

We hope our advertising educational campaign, Peninsula Pointers, will forestall the need to bring legal actions such as were required to achieve our goals in the past. One such ad already has motivated the State Department of Fisheries and Wildlife to allocate funds to enable fish passage at a dam across a major tributary of the Dungeness River [read about PPF's (now withdrawn) proposal to remove Canyon Creek dam ]. A series of others have speeded up plans to stop wasting 13-16 million gallons/day of Elwha River water now being spilled at Rayonier Mill ["Pointer" on this topic].

POLICIES...

We welcome as members all who share our goals and wish to support our efforts. There is no paid staff--hundreds of volunteer hours are donated.

CONTRIBUTIONS...

Funds, time and effort are of equal importance in extending the message of our goals to all who want to protect and preserve for future generations the unique combination of mountains, forest, sea and streams we have on this peninsula.

We encourage you to take an active interest in land use issues and to join with us in helping to maintain and enhance the quality of our environment.

The success of this organization depends on the participation and support of all those who cherish this unique region. Your interest and help are essential.

To contact PPF: Steve Koehler: skoehler@olympus.net Protect The Peninsula's Future P.O. Box 1677 Sequim, WA 98382

Updated:8/20/98 Copyright © 1997, 1998, Steve Koehler-- Website, skoehler@olympus.net-- Email

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