June Update
Sat 6/17 Shoreline Walking Tour of Mud Bay Cliffs
Come see Bellingham's magical Mud Bay Cliffs up close from the Mud Bay flats – two of these popular Saturday walks are set for June 17th, and July 15th. As one person put it: “I had no idea – the cliffs are majestic, and this entire area is amazingly beautiful. There is nothing else like this in Bellingham!” Our easy, informal walks along the shoreline at low tide are fun for the whole family.
Protect Mud Bay Cliffs (PMBC) will lead a shoreline walking tour on Saturday June 17th from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
See the natural gem we are working to protect – the shoreline, cliffs, woodland, estuarine wetlands, and almost certainly some of the wildlife, too!
We will meet at the public access trailhead immediately past 220 Sea Pines Road, at 11:00 AM; please gather on the sidewalk at the top of the paved stairs.
This is a straightforward walk at low tide: we will follow a paved pathway down to the shore, and the walk along the shore is on mostly flat pebbled ground.
We suggest: wear a hat and/or sun screen, and wear clothes/ footwear which can get a bit wet and muddy.
Please note: we will not be going onto privately-owned property, so the tour will stay on the shoreline at low tide.
If you have questions, call Wendy Larson at 360-778-9834.
We hope you can join us…
…if you can’t make it to the June walk, mark your calendar for Saturday July 15, at 10:00 (the location information is the same as above).
Sign Up Now for City Updates on the Proposed Project
If you’ve yet to do so, please send an email to Bellingham Senior Planner Kathy Bell (KBell@cob.org) with this request:
"Please accept this email as my request to receive via email all notices regarding the Woods at Viewcrest applications."
Why do this? Reasons include:
The Planning Department has asked us to make these requests, if we are interested in the proposed subdivision project.
The more of us who ask for updates, the greater the city Planning Department’s awareness of the high level of public interest.
A strong demonstration of community concern can help us going forward, as officials make decisions – potentially including the important city determination that this project could impose a Significant Adverse Environmental Impact.
Fundraising Goal of $30,000 – Great Progress!
We have raised more than half of the goal, thanks to the generosity of so many supporters! Donations of any size are greatly appreciated. If you’re able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Protect Mud Bay Cliffs Fund using the “Donate” button on our website at https://mudbaycliffs.org/join-in.
All donations are used solely for necessary out-of-pocket expenses to protect Mud Bay Cliffs; all day-to-day work is done by our completely volunteer team. Professionals we wish to hire have technical expertise in these areas: Hydrology, Geology, Hydrogeology, Stormwater, and Fish & Wildlife Protection.
City’s Application Review Process Update
Here is a fresh update on the city’s application review process:
In April the developers requested and received a 60-day extension to respond to the city’s Request For Information. While the new deadline is June 20th, the developers could respond sooner, and we are on alert watch.
After the city receives a complete response from the developers, the city will issue a Notice of Application and initiate the Public Comment Period. Immediately after the Comment Period begins, it is vital for all of us to send the city letters and emails describing our concerns about the proposed development.
It is crucial we convince the Bellingham Planning Department that this project is likely to impose a Significant Adverse Environmental Impact. If we are successful, the city will be legally obligated to require that an objective, independent, third-party Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) be prepared.
This EIS is necessary to ensure Bellingham’s planners have a comprehensive and honest evaluation of the harms this project can be expected to have on both the natural and built environment.
When the city opens the Public Comment period, hearing from all of us will be important to convince the city’s decision-makers. We plan to organize a second Zoom Gathering for our supporters once the city receives the developers’ response. Please be prepared to send your emails and letters to the city once the Public Comment Period begins. We will alert you when this happens!