Canadian Border Remains Closed

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The closure to boaters has been extended another 30 days, again, until Sept 20th.  Unfortunately, this has put a huge strain on the harbors and parks in the San Juans, but I’m sure the businesses appreciate the patronage during these times.

The Canadian small businesses are no doubt suffering, as the American boater is a huge part of their clientele.  Next year when Canada opens up, do your part to help them out…buying fuel, groceries, eating and dining out.

Orcas in Puget Sound

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We have the incredible benefit of having these beautiful creatures right here in our own back yard!  With summer boating in high gear, your chance of an encounter with them is pretty good but please, be a good boater and respect the laws regarding distance and speed.  They are in place to protect the orca’s feeding, echolocation and travel.  Many are also pregnant now and their survival rates are low.

Washington State Law

  • Boats to stay 300 yards from Southern Resident orcas or killer whales on either side.
  • Boats to stay 400 yards out of Southern Resident orca’s path/in front and behind the whales
  • Boats to go slow (<7 knots) within ½ mile of Southern Resident orcas
  • Disengage engines if whales appear within 300 yards.

Boats to stay 100 yards from all other marine mammals (e.g. humpback whales, gray whales, sea lions and seals).

You’ve seen the flyers on the gates and at boat ramps:  Be Whale Wise outlines the rules and no-boat zones.

You can also report sightings and get information at the Orca Network.

Parking Issues at Shilshole

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As we know, the parking has been a mess here at Shilshole.  With the Mayor’s continued closure of the Golden Gardens parking lot and Golden Gardens Drive, the overflow has adversely affected us here in the marina.  The marina manager, Jo, and operations supv., Dale, have added extra security at the north end, have closed off several entrances and are working hard to finalize the ticketing and towing of illegally parked vehicles in our lot.  Unfortunately, it is delayed at the Port of Seattle main office and needs our input to facilitate the approval.  Here is the contact info of the Port of Seattle Commissioners.

Partial Opening of Golden Gardens Parking

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Seattle Parks have announced the opening of the south parking lot at Golden Gardens Park. This should help alleviate the terrible overflow that we have experience in both the marina lot and on the street.  read more here: https://www.myballard.com/2020/07/10/golden-gardens-south-end-parking-lot-reopens-today/

Golden Gardens Drive (the road up the hill) needs to be opened up as soon as possible as it is a key evacuation route from the marina in case of fire or earthquake.  Please contact SDOT at stayhealthystreets@seattle.gov to let them know your concerns.  Thank you!

Golden Gardens Drive Evacuation Route

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As you know, Golden Gardens Drive up the hill from the park is closed 24/7 until further notice  due to Mayor Durkan’s Safe Streets Initiative.  That is fine for upland neighborhoods that have access on all sides of their homes, but for those of us here at Shilshole and the Sunset West Condos, plus all the visitors to the park; Golden Garden’s Drive is an essential route of escape in case of any local emergency/disaster like a marina fire, a train derailment or earthquake/tsunami/landslide.

We need to get this road re-opened.  Please express your concerns to the Seattle Dept. of Transportation at StayHealthyStreets@Seattle.gov

…and check out emergency prep at Shilshole Prepares

Crabbing in Puget Sound

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This year, the Dept. of Fish and Wildlife has put some severe restrictions on crabbing in Puget Sound and the San Juan’s.  Area 10 (just off Shilshole) is scheduled to open Sunday July 12. Will be open Sundays and Mondays only through Labor Day September 7.  Be sure to check their site for opening dates, days of the week, closures, etc.

https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/shellfishing-regulations/crab

a couple reminders..

  • you need a license and catch record card-available at Fred Meyer or West Marine
  • please keep only legal crab
  • your contact info needs to be on your pots
  • pots need to be out of the water on days closed