Whiteman Cove Needs You!
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently submitted a proposal to the Governor and Washington State legislature for design and permitting for a project to improve fish passage in Whiteman Cove. Their proposal includes breaching the berm that forms one of the boundaries of Whiteman cove, leaving the cove nearly empty for 85% of each day, making educational and recreational use impossible for the thousands of campers and community members who visit Camp Colman.
We are requesting that the Legislature remove funding for this project from the 2021-22 Capital Budget (HB 1080, SB 5083) for two key reasons:
- To complete an adequate feasibility study that includes viable solutions that support both enhanced fish passage as well as the preservation of the critical environmental education, water safety, and recreational programs of Camp Colman.
- Whiteman Cove is not a culvert and not part of the federal injunction that DNR is required to comply with.
Helping Salmon and Campers to Thrive
We need help to save salmon and camp! Hear from one expert that has proposed an option we believe is a viable alternative to the DNR proposal.
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Save Salmon, Save Camp
We have spent the last two years working with experts from across the state in developing a solution that supports both improving fish passage and the education of kids of Camp Colman.
Fish-Friendly Tide Gate
Fish-friendly tide gates are a proven alternative for allowing safe passage of salmon. This option also preserves the integrity of the berm which provides public access to the camp and maintains the water levels in the cove for human use.
Culverts and Tide Gates
Culverts and tide gates are not the same. This distinction plays a critical role to the future of Whiteman Cove. Learn more about this and why the Y is an advocate to upgrade to a fish-friendly tide gate in the lagoon.
Impact of Camp
Camp Colman is an invaluable community asset that plays an important role in cultivating the next generation of environmental stewards. Whiteman Cove is integral to educating these advocates for the future of our planet.
Take Action
We need your help to save salmon and save camp! You can call, tweet, post, email, or share to show your support for the future of Whiteman Cove and its residents (both aquatic and human). We can't do this without you.
Before and After Breaching the Berm
The berm is the raised strip of land that separates and protects the cove from the rough tidal waters of Case Inlet, part of Puget Sound. It also serves as the public entrance to camp which would become inaccessible if the berm is breached, as proposed.
Whiteman Cove: Breaching the Berm
See an artist rendition of the resulting mudflat that Whiteman Cove will become for 85% of the day if the DNR proposal is enacted. The devastating effects that the breach would have on the lagoon and surrounding community is undeniable.
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Save Salmon, Save Camp
Contact your local state legislator and ask them to remove the Whiteman Cove project from this year's budget.
Take Action.
The Y in Our Community
Camp & Outdoor Leadership
The YMCA has been the leader in Summer Camp for over 130 years. Over this time, we’ve fine-tuned our programs to meet youth and their families wherever they are in their journey with the outdoors.
Our Mission
Building a community where all people, especially the young, are encouraged to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind, and body.
Save Salmon, Save Camp
Whiteman Cove at Camp Colman is in danger of being destroyed by a Department of Natural Resources proposal. We need your help to save “the lagoon” for salmon, campers, and the community alike.
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