Stormwater Pollution: Overcoming Water Quality Challenges and Creating Healthier Ecosystems
Presentation Abstract
Samish cultural beliefs are deeply intertwined with the environment and as a result they have a desire to sustain healthy ecosystems. As stewards of the land, the Samish people have an inherent respect of natural systems. This is demonstrated by their continued efforts to share their knowledge, perspective, and passion for the land through their Department of Natural Resources. Located within traditional Samish territory, Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve has been identified as an area of concern within the Salish Seas. Historically, this region was important for foraging as well as spiritual solace for Coast Salish tribes. Urbanization and land use have degraded water quality, caused habitat loss, and increased competition for diminishing resources. Guided by traditional cultural values the Samish Department of Natural Resources is working to enhance the water quality of the bay through its extensive storm water monitoring program. Drainages of concern have been identified along with the locations of non-point source pollution entering the bay. The Samish Indian Nation is working in collaboration with Local, State, and Federal Governments, landowners, and Non-Governmental Organizations to improve water quality issues with an emphasis on public involvement and outreach. Currently, the Samish Indian Nation is interested in expanding its efforts by using the data trends to guide the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions in future efforts to reduce environmental impacts of storm water runoff.
Session Title
Session S-08B: Stormwater Quality, Impacts, Treatment Solutions
Conference Track
Stormwater
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2014 : Seattle, Wash.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
1-5-2014 5:00 PM
End Date
1-5-2014 6:30 PM
Location
Room 6C
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Samish Indians--Environmental aspects; Runoff--Washington (State)--Fidalgo Bay; Water quality--Washington (State)--Fidalgo Bay
Subjects – Names (LCNAF)
Samish Indian Nation. Department of Natural Resources
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Fidalgo Bay (Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Stormwater Pollution: Overcoming Water Quality Challenges and Creating Healthier Ecosystems
Room 6C
Samish cultural beliefs are deeply intertwined with the environment and as a result they have a desire to sustain healthy ecosystems. As stewards of the land, the Samish people have an inherent respect of natural systems. This is demonstrated by their continued efforts to share their knowledge, perspective, and passion for the land through their Department of Natural Resources. Located within traditional Samish territory, Fidalgo Bay Aquatic Reserve has been identified as an area of concern within the Salish Seas. Historically, this region was important for foraging as well as spiritual solace for Coast Salish tribes. Urbanization and land use have degraded water quality, caused habitat loss, and increased competition for diminishing resources. Guided by traditional cultural values the Samish Department of Natural Resources is working to enhance the water quality of the bay through its extensive storm water monitoring program. Drainages of concern have been identified along with the locations of non-point source pollution entering the bay. The Samish Indian Nation is working in collaboration with Local, State, and Federal Governments, landowners, and Non-Governmental Organizations to improve water quality issues with an emphasis on public involvement and outreach. Currently, the Samish Indian Nation is interested in expanding its efforts by using the data trends to guide the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions in future efforts to reduce environmental impacts of storm water runoff.
