Community members are invited to learn more about the Puget Sound Action Agenda and revised Near Term Actions for 2014-15 at one of two public open houses:

• April 15: 5 to 7 p.m.  at the Center for Urban Waters, 326 East D St., Tacoma

• April 16: 5 to 7 p.m. at the Edmonds Library, Plaza Room, 650 Main Street, Edmonds

First developed in 2008, the Action Agenda is a “roadmap” for restoring Puget Sound. The Action Agenda also serves as the EPA-approved Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan under the Puget Sound National Estuary Program.

The Action Agenda identifies priorities for the protection, restoration and cleanup of Puget Sound and articulates opportunities for federal, state, local, tribal and private entities to align priorities, invest resources and coordinate actions. It also includes the framework used by the Puget Sound Partnership to track recovery progress. The Action Agenda is designed to be adapted and adjusted. By statute (RCW 90.71), consideration of revisions must be made every two years.

This 2014 update of the Action Agenda is limited in scope to the revision of Near Term Actions, which are actions that should begin or be completed within the next two years. Near Term Actions identify what organization is the “owner” of specific actions and includes specific actions and milestones to measure progress. New initiatives, priorities, and strategies are not included in this update, but will be considered when substantial review and updating takes place in 2016.

A comment form and additional information on proposed revisions to the Action Agenda are available online at http://www.psp.wa.gov/2014_action_agenda_update.php. Public comment will be accepted until midnight April 30, 2014.

Content being presented for review and comment have been proposed by Near Term Action owners, Local Integrating Organizations, and the Washington State Blue Ribbon Panel on Ocean Acidification.

The Leadership Council, the governing body of the Partnership appointed by the governor, has final approval authority over the 2014-15 Action Agenda. Updates and public comment will be presented to the Leadership Council for approval at their May 29-30 meeting in Puyallup.

About the Partnership

The Puget Sound Partnership is the state agency leading the recovery of Puget Sound. The Partnership coordinates the efforts of citizens, governments, tribes, scientists, businesses and nonprofits to set priorities, implement a regional recovery plan and ensure accountability for results. For more information, go to www.psp.wa.gov.