Sequim’s Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge is in jeopardy of being environmentally and visually compromised if the private, commercial oyster farming lease is not rescinded.
In a 49-page decision document from the USACE, to paraphrase, they admitted that the private endeavor will negatively impact fish and wildlife use and their populations, benthos, sediment dynamics, eelgrass, and present an undesirable visual impact for the visiting public.
Also summarized in a positive light, was that the applicant will benefit from financial gain, and community jobs may be realized, which outweighed protecting the refuge’s detrimental effects.
“May” as a job forecast?
How will professional photography jobs suffer with thousands of oyster bags as a backdrop?
Their benefit rationale is absurd, having admitted a detriment to virtually every aspect of the refuge.
Refuge means, in part, to protect, and save from harm and intrusion.
Oyster farming fits?
In a word, no.
The Dungeness Spit, refuge and park, in whole, is one of Sequim’s natural splendors, breathtaking and, for some, a spiritual ambiance.
It’s an overwhelmingly coveted spectacle, awe-inspiring and enjoyed by millions of visitors and locals. Sequimites take pride in being its dedicated steward, and in return, its beneficiary.
Let’s not harm our gift.
The lease is a display of disregard for wildlife, the refuge, and people.
Money before people and land?
We see that far too often.
Don Lundine
Sequim