On a related note, we found an interesting, more globally focused report on sustainable fisheries. This is a topic that impassions Barton Seaver who I had the pleasure of hearing at this year's Chefs Collaborative Conference in Seattle. Because I think about food 24-7, of course I was thrilled to attend the national Chefs Collaborative conference which featured some very interesting discussions on local financing and the responsibility of chefs to address social issues and sustainability.
This latter issue was raised when the iconic chef Thomas Keller ruffled a few human feathers with his response. Personally I think everyone has a responsibility to take positive action to make their own neighborhood and the lives of others better, safer and more beautiful.
Food: the segue. This summer we were pleased to forge two new partnerships: one with the Washington State Parks Foundation, to provide a contextual assessment of a variety of parks to identify new partners, revenue potential and ways to evaluate park assets; and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, to help cultivate a framework for an Orca Friendly Communities Project.
Washington is a stunning place and some of the best places to visit are our parks. They are places to explore, learn something new, kiss, compete in a bbq competition, learn to unicycle. As the state's budget worsens over time, it will be critical to find creative and innovative ways to keep our parks open. You can rah rah rah your way to helping by purchasing a Discover Pass.
It was a female killer Orca that died in 2002 on the North Olympic Peninsula named "Hope," that galvanized the Port Townsend and larger community to action. This beautiful and iconic creature was full of toxins. By honoring her memory and life and building support for connecting healthy communities and residents with healthy Orca populations, Anne and her colleagues will make a huge contribution to the quality of our lives.
