SKAGIT COUNTY – On October 8, 2014, Skagit County will host a meeting to update the public on the Clean Samish Initiative (CSI) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Edison Elementary School located at 5801 Main Avenue, Bow.

The meeting agenda will include brief updates on monitoring efforts, water quality status, and recent accomplishments.  The primary goal of the meeting will be to update Samish Watershed residents on the accomplishments of the CSI and receive input on the County’s efforts to reduce fecal coliform pollution in Samish Bay.

In 2009, Samish Basin fecal coliform pollution issues attracted regional attention and are now the focus of the CSI. The CSI is a multi-agency effort designed to improve water quality in the Samish River Watershed. Fecal coliform bacteria pollution in the Samish River, nearby streams, and the Samish Bay often reach levels too high for safe shellfish harvesting, recreation, and food production.


For more information about the Clean Samish Initiative and the Clean Water Program, contact Michael See, Water Resources Section Manager, at michaels@co.skagit.wa.us or at (360) 336-9400 or visit www.skagitcounty.net/cleanwater.

Join Northwest Agriculture Business Center, Center for Economic Development, Northwest Cooperative Development Center and the Lake County Community Development Center for an informative and engaging day as experts in northwest regional food systems development share their experiences, thoughts, and strategies for creating greater community access to locally produced food. Presenters will represent food hubs, supermarkets, institutional food service, farm to school initiatives, and communities-in-need programs.

Presenting Food Hubs include:

•             Idaho's Bounty

•             Mid Columbia Market at the Hub

•             Okanogan Producers Marketing Association

•             Puget Sound Food Hub

 •            Western Montana Organic Growers Cooperative

Other Presenters/Panelists will include 21 Acres (Woodinville), Bow Hill Blueberries (Bow, WA), Chaco Canyon Organic Café (Seattle WA), City of Seattle Human Services Division/ Farm to Table Partnership, Seattle Tilth, Community Food Co-op (Bellingham), Bon Appetit Management Services (serving Amazon), Healthcare Without Harm (Seattle, WA), La Conner School District, Local Food Marketplace (Eugene, OR), Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (Ronan, MT), Northwest Farm Credit Services (Burlington, WA), and Sustainable Connections (Whatcom County) and more!

Register today!

Where:     Maple Hall Conference Center
                 104 Commercial
                 La Conner, WA 98257 (US).
Date:        Saturday. Oct 25, 2014
Time:        9:00 am -  4:30 pm
Cost:        $20.00 for a day-long conference (includes lunch and refreshments)

Register Online:  
http://www.agbizcenter.org/business-services/classes-and-workshops/event/82/Food-Hub-Conference

This workshop is sponsored by USDA, Community Food CO OP, Sno-Isle Food Co-op and Northwest Farm Credit Services.

USDA Rural Cooperative Development Centers Celebrate National Co-op Month!