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Bertrand Watershed Conference participants learn how
water testing helps assess water quality.
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The first Bertrand Watershed Conference attracted more than 70 participants to historic Berthusen Park in June to hear an impressive group of experts dispense information and ideas for work being done in the Bertrand Watershed - an important source of water to the Nooksack River and beyond. Carol Smith, Director of the Washington State Department of Ecology's Environmental Assessment Program, set the tone with a quote from Henry Ford: "Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success."
Organized by the Whatcom Conservation District and Washington State Department of Ecology, the conference was geared toward sharing information, forging meaningful partnerships, coordinating activity and enhancing efforts to protect water quality in the Bertrand Watershed.
Summer is a busy time for Whatcom dairy farmers; but Larry DeHaan who owns/manages Storm Haaven Farm on the Canadian border near Lynden says the Conference was productive. "There is a lot of expertise among these local/state agencies and when they work together we get some interesting facts and scenarios about the watershed," he said. "It validated a lot of the work dairy farmers and ag-producers have done from tree planting to how we keep our Dairy Nutrient Management Plans up to speed."
Storm Haaven Farm shares the watershed and water with neighboring farms in Canada. "Environment
Canada is doing their part to enhance the watershed," he said, "by keeping the water flowing during a
critical time when runs of salmon come up."
Expert presenters from organizations that are currently conducting work in the Bertrand gave informational presentations focused on the practical nature of projects, highlighting what results mean
and how they can be applied by landowners in the watershed.
Presenters described the importance of the Bertrand Watershed; its agricultural heritage; the science
that allows it to work; actions that have been taken to ensure its water quality; and landowner's
engagement for its best, most responsible use. Read More... |