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<br />The 4th of July holiday weekend came and went in a relatively quiet manner. We had the ACFL staffed <br />well into the night of the 4th and early morning on the 5th. Locals and visitors were very respectful of the <br />City’s No Fireworks in parks and woods policy. <br /> <br />We did have about a ½ acre wildfire just north of the Cap Sante summit on July 20th. AFD responded <br />quickly, keeping the fire on the rocky balds and out of the woods. DNR also responded. We are cleaning <br />up all the litter that was exposed by the burn. <br /> <br />Planning progress continues for the Rotary Club Centennial project on Cap Sante. Club members and I <br />are doing an extensive site visit this week with an environmental scientist in preparation for submitting <br />permit applications. We should have a conceptual view platform for Parks Commission review soon. <br /> <br />A variety of conversations with neighbors of the potential Guemes Channel Trail route continue. <br />Interest remains high, and we are doing our best to answer questions and present options as we look to <br />the future. <br /> <br />The City Council unanimously passed the Critical Areas Ordinance update Monday, July 26th. Parks & <br />Recreation will continue to work with Planning and Permitting on all relevant projects, incorporating <br />especially the updated wetland and riparian zone buffers. <br /> <br />There is a good chance we have discovered some invasive milfoil at Heart Lake. We are working with a <br />consultant to put together a survey of the lake, and we shall develop an action plan from there. <br /> <br />Spent time with various city staff working on homeless issues. The contract with the Anacortes Family <br />Center is proving to be very helpful for staff, the community at large, and most importantly, the folks in <br />need of a break. <br /> <br />Miscellaneous: <br />-our two new Parks maintenance team employees Braydn Krueger and Myles Farrell got started with us <br />at the beginning of July. It thus far has been a pleasure and big time shot in the arm. <br />-FOF Exec. Dir. Asa Deane is still out on Family Leave. I have been meeting with Ashleigh and Beck in his <br />absence. We are working on a date for the FOF and FAB Boards to get together for a summer hike. <br />-working with the LaConner School District on some science field trips that include the ACFL and <br />Washington Park. Really appreciated their reaching out and willingness to plan with us. <br />-thanks to Parks Foreperson Brian Tottenham and ACFL Steve for bolstering our Whistle Lake parking <br />lot trailhead against illegal 4-tired access. <br />-working with ABPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian group) planning the Aug 29th Open Streets event. Should <br />be tons o’ fun. <br />-Samish Nation staffer Denise Crowe, ACFL Steve and I continue our monthly hikes; keeping a close eye <br />on the health of the woods, and a deeper glimpse into the sacred space. <br />-have been working with Brandon Lowry from Public Works on protecting the “Powerlines” rock <br />climbing access neighbors from rogue parking attempts. <br />-working on various community tree issues. <br />-have found myself spending a little time at Washington Park this month. We continue to set revenue <br />records out there, despite the burn ban. Our veteran seasonal staff has been doing a great job under the <br />leadership of Parks Manager Johnston. <br /> <br />Faithfully Submitted, <br /> <br />Bob Vaux, Assistant Director <br />July 27, 2021 <br />