If a community had $10,000 to invest in improving water quality and reducing algae blooms, which option would provide the greatest return on investment—planting approximately 200 trees or applying $10,000 worth of EutroSORB? While EutroSORB can offer rapid but temporary … Continue reading A $10,000 Investment: Plant 200 Trees or Apply EutroSORB?
After heavy rains, standing water in vacant lots, grassy areas, and low-lying spaces near homes may seem like a temporary inconvenience—but it can quickly become a serious public health concern. In coastal communities and areas with high water tables, this … Continue reading Standing Water After Heavy Rains: A Growing Health Risk in Residential Areas
In a significant policy shift, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving to make microplastics and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) a central focus of national environmental and public health regulation. This emerging priority reflects growing scientific evidence, public concern, and … Continue reading EPA Elevates Microplastics and “Forever Chemicals” as New National Priority
Nestled along the coast of Surfside, Washington, Sea Breeze Lake is far more than a quiet neighborhood water feature—it is a thriving ecological refuge, supporting a rich web of wildlife that depends on its waters, shorelines, and surrounding tree canopy. A Sanctuary for Migratory Birds Sea Breeze Lake and its interconnected canal system serve as a vital stopover and seasonal home for migratory birds traveling along the Pacific Flyway. These waters provide food, shelter, and safe resting areas for species that rely on coastal ecosystems during long migrations. Throughout the year, the lake hosts a wide variety of waterfowl and … Continue reading Sea Breeze Lake: A Living Refuge for Wildlife in Surfside, Washington
The American West is facing a slow-moving crisis that is no longer theoretical—it is visible in shrinking reservoirs, drying farmland, and growing conflict between states. At the center of it all is the Colorado River, a lifeline for nearly 40 … Continue reading Climate Threats: Water Woes in the Colorado River States
Across the Pacific Northwest, communities are facing a future shaped by stronger and more frequent atmospheric river (AR) events—long, narrow bands of moisture that deliver intense rainfall over short periods. These storms, increasingly amplified by climate change, are now recognized … Continue reading How Tree Canopy Protects Communities from Flooding in an Era of Intensifying Atmospheric Rivers
The following statement has been presented as a defense of the tree covenant by a blog post on Surfside preservation we site and Annette. Tree covenants do not: Reduce overall tree cover.Expose residents to high winds, flooding, severe storms, smoke … Continue reading What Washington City Leaders Actually Say About Trees
In Annette’s blog post she claims I asserted. Tree covenants enforcement Does not promote removing trees that the boards preservation members argue are cheap to cut down (would like to know where this quote comes from). Mean that those that … Continue reading The Price of a Tree: How the Board Measures Value in terms of removing tre es, Not the environmental benefits
The Surfside Tree Committee claims there is no direct evidence linking the destruction of trees around Seabreeze Lake to the rise of blue-green algae, even while acknowledging that trees reduce phosphorus and stormwater runoff—two of the primary drivers of algae … Continue reading Trees, Stormwater, and Seabreeze Lake: Why Tree Canopy Matters
Responding to Claims About Surfside’s Tree Covenant A post on the Surfside Preservation page—written by a member of the Surfside Tree Committee—accuses critics of the tree covenant of relying on “logical fallacies,” even labeling one resident the “Manager of Mischief.” … Continue reading When Science Is Dismissed as “Mischief”:
Surfside Washington News 