May Updates
Sat 5/6 Shoreline Walking Tour of Mud Bay Cliffs
Would you like to see Bellingham's magical Mud Bay Cliffs up close from the Mud Bay flats?
Protect Mud Bay Cliffs (PMBC) will lead a shoreline walking tour this Saturday, May 6 from 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM.
See the natural gem we are working to protect – the shoreline, cliffs, woodland, 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.
Great turnout for PMBC Zoom Gathering!
On Tuesday April 25 at 7 PM, we enjoyed a lively conversation among PMBC supporters concerned about negative impacts of the proposed subdivision. Thank you to all who participated: you inspire us! We discussed why it’s essential we take a stand, provided a brief overview of what is happening with the subdivision application (see below), and described ways supporters can help. We also premiered two gorgeous new videos that provide stunning views of the mature woodlands of Mud Bay Cliffs (on both public and private land), plus the Mud Bay Cliffs shoreline, and the Mud Bay estuarine wetlands. The natural majesty and uniqueness of this area are unparalleled in Bellingham. See the videos at our website’s new Videos page, here: https://mudbaycliffs.org/videos
New Fundraising Goal of $30,000
We recently announced our near-term goal to raise $30,000 for professional technical experts to review the developers’ application materials (over 800 pages). The immediate response to our goal has been fantastic – and greatly appreciated.
If you’re able, please consider making a tax-deductible donation of any amount to the Protect Mud Bay Cliffs Fund using the “Donate” button on our website at https://mudbaycliffs.org/join-in. (If you prefer to mail a check, the information is just below the “Donate” button.)
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:
Recently 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 Applicationand 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, unbiased evaluation of the adverse impacts this project would have on both the natural and built environment.
Hearing from all of us is important to convince the city’s decision-makers. We will organize a Zoom Gathering for PMBC 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!