Hundreds of acres of underwater forests in Puget Sound are vanishing. Reports show over the past century and a half bull kelp in the region has declined 90 percent. Today, the Department of Natural Resources announced a new partnership with the Squaxin Island Tribe to protect these critical marine habitats.Tribal leaders took FOX 13 reporter Lauren Donovan by boat to the southernmost tip of Squaxin Island to show how severe the problem is.
In the two years since the commitment was inked, groundwork has been laid. DNR scientists have mapped existing forest and conducted research. However, they have yet to kickstart the actual restoration effort. All this planning and strategizing could be placed in jeopardy this November on Election Day. Governor Jay Inslee and Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz are both leaving office. Concerns arise about whether their successors will prioritize this kind of environmental work.