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By now you have probably been made aware of the 129 blue chalk paint markings on trees throughout the ACFL on <br />the weekend of June 5/6. In 31+ years of Parks & Rec work, I have never seen graffiti of this magnitude, especially as <br />the result of one application. ACFL Steve and the Trail Team were not only able to get the mess cleaned up in a very <br />efficient way, but they found the individual who admitted to doing it. The Anacortes Police Department has an on- <br />going investigation. <br /> <br />Spent some time with new Fire Chief Bill Harris and Captain Jack Kennedy reviewing camp and beach fire policy at <br />Washington Park, as well as freeing up some park and ACFL sites for AFD training opportunities. A reminder that we <br />work closely with the AFD on burn bans and other fire safety related issues year round. <br /> <br />I spent some time in the ACFL each of the three Memorial Day weekend days. Did some early morning checking of <br />potential campsites, along with some training of our seasonal staff at Whistle Lake in the afternoons. The weekend <br />came and went quietly. <br /> <br />I continue to support ACFL staff, working sunshine shifts as the current weather dictates. While many Father’s and <br />their families enjoyed the woods last Sunday, the family atmosphere kept things at a dull roar. <br /> <br />June 5th was National Trails Day, and we hosted a volunteer work party on the east side of Sugarloaf. Six of us spent <br />the morning carefully removing scotch broom from some sensitive rocky bald terrain, then enjoyed a trail or two after <br />in honor of the day. <br /> <br />Council and Planning Department staff continue work on the Critical Areas Regulations update. The public hearing has <br />been closed for now, but may be revisited depending upon the magnitude of changes proposed by the Council. <br /> <br />It was great to see the Friends of the Forest Trail Ambassador program kick off on May 29 th. Two volunteers set up <br />shop in the Whistle Lake parking lot from 9A-2P, and were able to make contact with several forest visitors. <br /> <br />Our consultants continue work on the Whistle Lake dam safety plan. We have not had any recent on site activity. <br /> <br />We did spend time on the Guemes Channel Trail with our consultant, along with staff from FEMA and couple of <br />different state agencies. We were evaluating last winter’s storm damage, our short term repairs and some options for <br />the future. <br /> <br />Jonn and I, along with Mayor Gere, other COA Department Heads and a variety of consultants visited the old “A” <br />Avenue landfill site. It was mostly an historical and fact finding tour as we work through the Model Toxics Control Act <br />protocol. <br /> <br />Mayor Gere, Council member Matt Miller, Friends of the Forest Board President Charlie Collins, Jonn Lunsford and I <br />met with new Chamber President/CEO Jesica Stickles. We focused our discussion on the relationship between the <br />FOF, the COA, the Chamber and how the ACFL might be used to promote our community. We each made a <br />commitment to work together on future projects. <br /> <br />Our local Rotary Club continues work on the Cap Sante trail and viewpoint project. Next steps are working with a fish <br />and wildlife habitat consultant, along with the COA Planning Department. <br /> <br />Jonn and I met in town with Allison Dellwo, our RCO grant manager. We spent some time looking at long term options <br />at Storvik and the Skate Park, as well as some site plan review at Heart Lake. <br /> <br />Washington Park remains a popular wedding option for some, especially those catching up from a cancelled <br />ceremony a year ago. I do my best to work with folks, help them realize their matrimonial dreams while protecting <br />our amazing natural park area. <br />