Legislative Updates; Osprey Nest Removed

By Jackie Lasater, Conservation Committee Chair

Governor Signs Kelp Forest Protection Bill into Law!

Good news! On April 16, Bob Ferguson signed HB 1631, establishing the state marine forest, into law. Among the many ecological benefits of protecting and conserving kelp forests, one aspect directly benefits birds. Bull kelp forests provide great protein sources for both sea and shore birds in the Puget Sound area; kelp forests are valuable habitat for feeder fish, and, when bull kelp washes ashore and dries out, shore birds feast on it. 

Department of the Interior Weakens Key Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protections

In April, the U.S. Department of the Interior revoked a key policy under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which protects birds from avoidable deaths caused by large-scale and industrial activities. Read more on audubon.org.

Greenbank Osprey Nest Removed in March

It appears that the Osprey nest or nest perched on top of the very large telephone poles on SR 525 in Greenbank were removed in early March of 2025. Osprey nests are protected in Washington and a permit is required to remove them; there is no record of a permit being pulled. This situation has been reported to the Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Whidbey Audubon Conservation Committee is gathering information to assist in identifying the contractor on this project. 

If anyone knows the name of the company that was doing the crane work on the top of the telephone poles, or if you see any work being done, please write down the name of the company and if possible, take a picture. Any help would be appreciated, you can contact me at conservation@whidbeyaudubonsociety.org.