Potential Ownership Transfer of National Wildlife Refuges to Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe
U.S. Representative Emily Randall (WA 6th Congressional District) is working with the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe to transfer ownership of the Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge and the Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to the Tribe. If the ownership transfer occurs, the Tribe will have sovereign control and these NWRs will cease to exist.
Deer Lagoon is a Site for Mussel Watch Contaminant Monitoring
Mussel Watch is a biennial survey of ~85 locations throughout Puget Sound for chemical contaminants. The Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) established Mussel Watch in 2012 and it continues to operate the program. For the first time, Deer Lagoon became a monitoring site for the 2025﹘26 survey!
Support the “No Consumer Fireworks” Campaign
The Island County Commissioners are placing an advisory vote on the November 2026 general election ballot to “ban consumer fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Island County.” This would include our two Important Bird Areas: Deer Lagoon Preserve and Crockett Lake.
Whidbey Audubon has joined a coalition of local citizens, businesses, nonprofits and environmental groups supporting a yes vote on this measure.
Comment Now on the Island County Comprehensive Plan!
In this letter, Carlos Andersen shares his concerns regarding the recently released draft/proposed Island County Comprehensive Plan updates and encourages members to comment on the current plan.
Dogs Pose a Growing Threat to Raptor Food at Greenbank Farm
While dogs and wildlife have co-existed for many years in the off-leash area at Greenbank Farm, there has been a noticeable increase in dogs digging up, pursuing, and killing small mammals over the past year.
Conservation Committee Updates
The Whidbey Audubon Society Conservation Committee has added two new projects: investigating decreased water levels at Crockett Lake and securing a site for the Motus tower.
Summer Deer Lagoon Preserve Efforts
Carlos Anderson shares updates on the Conservation Committee’s work to preserve Deer Lagoon this summer, including putting up additional Important Bird Area signs at the Preserve and advocating for a burn ban that would limit the fireworks use that harms American White Pelicans and Bald Eagles.
Whidbey Audubon Launches New Eagle Alert Signs Program
This July, Whidbey Audubon’s Conservation Committee piloted a new program to help protect bald eagle nests—especially those with vulnerable fledglings—from the impacts of fireworks. Signs posted near nests raised public awareness, encouraged reporting of violations, and provided added protection during the holiday season. The pilot was a success and will return next year.
Whidbey Audubon Society Named the Official Adopt-a-Park Steward for Deer Lagoon Preserve
Linda Rhodes writes about the importance of this new designation and describes how to become a volunteer Adopt-a-Park steward.
Legislative Updates; Osprey Nest Removed
Conservation Committee Chair Jackie Lasater shares updates about the Kelp Forest Protection Bill and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and a call for help identifying who removed an Osprey nest from a Greenbank telephone pole.