Protection Island - it is "for the birds"

PROTECTION ISLAND Protection Island is that island most residents of greater Diamond Point have seen. The island is off limits to practically everyone. It is itself protected. The island got its name from the fact that it protected the beautiful bay beyond it. Early Spanish and English visited the island and it was long used by the British navy as a source for replacements for damaged masts and spars on their sailing ships. The local natives decided that the lack of drinking water was a drawback but they would visit the island to hunt and gather berries and then leave. The white man tried to develop the island from 1861 until 1868 but could not solve the water problem. Man used and abused the island for years. Farming, a research laboratory, a part of coastal defense, a hunting preserve are just a few of the activities tried to make economic use of the island. In 1982 The island was declared a National Wildlife Refuge. More than 70% of the entire seabird population of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound are born here. The island is constantly bombarded by wind and there is a constant din created by the gulls. Protection Island is "for the birds", seals, and other wildlife.Boats cannot come closer to the island than 200 yards and aircraft no closer than 2,000 feet. There is no public access. U.S Fish and Wildlife has the responsibility to maintain this National Wildlife Refuge.

Traffic delays scheduled for Hood Canal Bridge Feb. 4

Traffic delays scheduled for Hood Canal Bridge
SHINE – Drivers can expect delays up to 10 minutes on the Hood Canal Bridge between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Monday, February 4 as surveyors from Kiewit-General (K-G) install brass monuments at each end of the bridge.
The monuments, 3-inch hubs bearing a Washington State Department of Transportation stamp, number and a center point for surveying reference, will be used by K-G and WSDOT to align the new transitions spans, roadway, girders and pontoons when they are installed in May-June 2009.
The survey work is being done in conjunction with the ongoing Hood Canal Bridge retrofit and replacement project which will improve the existing structure, making it safer and more reliable. The bridge will close for six weeks during May-June 2009 to allow WSDOT and K-G to remove and replace its eastern half. For more information, visit www.HoodCanalBridge.com.
Drivers can call 5-1-1 or visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ for road and traffic updates and www.wsdot.wa.gov/regions/olympic/construction to learn more about weekly construction and maintenance activities.
Contact: Joe Irwin, Hood Canal Bridge Communications 253-305-6412 Theresa Gren, Hood Canal Bridge Communications 253-305-6428

Featured Home - Week of 1-28-08

Dreaming of that perfect neighborhood? How about this wonderful custom home on a beautiful tree-lined street with friendly neighbors and easy-care yard? 2249 sq ft. rambler with 2 BR, den, 2 BA. Kitchen is a cook's delight – new solid surface countertops, new kitchen cabinets, big work island, and a skylight to make it light & bright. Open floor plan into the family room with a pellet stove - easy to entertain and also to sit and relax. Living room and dining room are more formal. ADA with 44" hallways and wide doorways. 9 foot ceilings make the home feel spacious. 7 x 7 finished room off garage for pantry or storage. Doggy door off the den with a ramp into the fenced dog run - only the best for your pets! REDUCED TO $399,950

Featured Home - Week of 1-21-08

HEADS UP PILOTS! Fly From The Blue Hole of Diamond Point Airport.

HOUSE AND HANGAR: Pilot's dream - Get in on the opportunity to own your very own hangar on the Diamond Point taxiway. Cute cabin, 672 square feet, 1 bedroom, 1bath, updated and neat as a pin. Detached 40 x 36 hangar for planes or hobbies! (lot 7 in Sunshine Acres) ML #227938 / 27193087 $298,000.

ALSO ...... TWO ADJOINING LOTS: One with direct access to the taxiway. Community water and electric. Bring plans for that dream hangar and home. Great level land with mature trees and an outbuilding. (lots 9 & 10 in Sunshine Acres) $249,000 ML 227940 /27193090.

Or buy both properties and make it a compound. All have community beach access. Check out our web site for a virtual tour.

2008 Annual Native Plant Sale 1/7/08 thru 2/15/08

http://clallam.scc.wa.gov/plantsale.htm

2008 Annual Native Plant Sale
Every year Clallam Conservation District holds a native plant sale. Plants are conservation grade bare-root seedlings, typically sold in bundles of 10. All plants are pre-ordered and orders are accepted beginning January 7, 2008 through February 15, 2008. Orders must be a minimum of 30 plants. Plants are available for pick-up on March 1, 2008 at a location east of Port Angeles. To place an order please carefully read over the ordering instructions attached to the order form and return your order form, complete with payment, back to us by mail or in person at our office.
For detailed descriptions of the plants available through this years plant sale be sure to view our Plant Sale List, OR if you have a high-speed internet connection (or patience to wait) look at our Native Plant Pictures and Descriptions which contains colored pictures as well as detailed descriptions of the plants offered for sale.
Why native plants?
The plants native to our region have grown alongside the native insects, fungi, plant diseases, wildlife, and other native plants for thousands of years. During this time they have developed the ability to attract native animals that benefit them (such as pollinating and seed-dispersing insects and birds), and repel or survive native organisms that harm them (such as plant viruses and munching insects).
As a result, native plants often attract a wider variety of native animals than do introduced plants. In addition, the plants native to our area are adapted to growing in our region's soils and climate, and so generally require less maintenance (such as watering) than do non-natives.
Native plants can be used in many ways; from helping along mother nature by quickly adding variety to a planting area, to being used in restoration projects such as after home-site clearing or for erosion control. Native plants work well in these situations because of their ability to tolerate the existing conditions and get established quickly.
In general, nothing needs to be added to the soil when planting seedlings. Just water. Since the plants are small, their roots are close to the surface where the soil dries out quickly. Regular watering and perhaps a layer of mulch to help retain moisture is all they need to get started.
2008 Annual Native Plant Sale
Every year Clallam Conservation District holds a native plant sale. Plants are conservation grade bare-root seedlings, typically sold in bundles of 10. All plants are pre-ordered and orders are accepted beginning January 7, 2008 through February 15, 2008. Orders must be a minimum of 30 plants. Plants are available for pick-up on March 1, 2008 at a location east of Port Angeles. To place an order please carefully read over the ordering instructions attached to the order form and return your order form, complete with payment, back to us by mail or in person at our office.
For detailed descriptions of the plants available through this years plant sale be sure to view our Plant Sale List, OR if you have a high-speed internet connection (or patience to wait) look at our Native Plant Pictures and Descriptions which contains colored pictures as well as detailed descriptions of the plants offered for sale.
Why native plants?
The plants native to our region have grown alongside the native insects, fungi, plant diseases, wildlife, and other native plants for thousands of years. During this time they have developed the ability to attract native animals that benefit them (such as pollinating and seed-dispersing insects and birds), and repel or survive native organisms that harm them (such as plant viruses and munching insects).
As a result, native plants often attract a wider variety of native animals than do introduced plants. In addition, the plants native to our area are adapted to growing in our region's soils and climate, and so generally require less maintenance (such as watering) than do non-natives.
Native plants can be used in many ways; from helping along mother nature by quickly adding variety to a planting area, to being used in restoration projects such as after home-site clearing or for erosion control. Native plants work well in these situations because of their ability to tolerate the existing conditions and get established quickly.
In general, nothing needs to be added to the soil when planting seedlings. Just water. Since the plants are small, their roots are close to the surface where the soil dries out quickly. Regular watering and perhaps a layer of mulch to help retain moisture is all they need to get started.

Featured Home - Week of 1/14/08

$525,000 - Motivated Seller

Motivated seller!!! Newer home that is ready for you to finish and add your personal touches. 2161 square feet with 3 bedrooms, den, 2 ½ bathrooms, and great room with propane fireplace. Kitchen is a cook’s delight with a big island, LOTS of storage, breakfast bar, Corian countertops, and real hardwood floors. Wonderful home to entertainment or to sit and enjoy a quiet evening at home. The master bedroom also has a free-standing propane stove and a walk-in closet. The master bathroom has a jetted tub, separate shower, double sinks, and a TV so he can keep up with all the political news. Many added features including Kat 5 wiring, surround sound, and a vacuum system. Two car attached garage. Also, there is a detached garage has 1800 square feet which includes a 600 square foot bonus room and ¾ bath on the main floor and a 400 square foot loft area upstairs.

Fun Facts - Washington State

Here are some fun facts that were published in the Homes Land Magazine.

* It is against the law to set fire to another person's property without prior permission in Seattle.

* Vancouver, Washington requires all motor vehicles to carry anchors as an emergency brake.

* A law in Washington states: "It is mandatory for a motorist with criminal intentions to stop at the city limits and telephone the chief of police as he is entering the town."

* In 1979, the square dance was designated as the official Washington State dance.

* Eighty percent of the glacial ice in the U.S. is found in Washington state.

* In Seattle it is illegal to carry a fishbowl or aquarium onto a bus because the sound of the water sloshing may disturb other passengers.

* It is against the law to spit on a bus.

* Mount Rainier was first climbed in 1870 by P.B. Van Trump and General Hazard Stevens.

* During the day motor vehicles must be preceded by a man carrying a red flag. AT night, the man should carry a red lantern instead.

* Snoqualmie Falls plunges 100 feet further than Niagara Falls.

* Long Beach, Washington is home to the world's largest frying pan.

* The Mercer Island Floating Bridge (now I-90), built in 1950, was the first floating bridge in the world.