Commission-Public-Records
From:            Betsy Peabody 
Sent:               Tuesday, March 24, 2020 12:18 PM
To:                Commission-Public-Records
Cc:                 Felleman, Fred
Subject:            [EXTERNAL] PUBLIC COMMENT for March 24, 2020
Categories:         Public Comment

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Dear Port of Seattle Commissioners: 
My name is Betsy Peabody. I am Executive Director of a nonprofit organization called Puget Sound Restoration 
Fund. Thank you for the opportunity to provide public comment. 
I strongly encourage the Port of Seattle to approve Interlocal Agreements with the Washington Department of Ecology 
and Washington State Department of Natural Resources to support a threeyear evaluation of carbon sequestration, 
water quality improvement, and ecological productivity associated with the Smith Cove Blue Carbon Pilot Project. This is 
important work. The Port has shown great leadership in testing out inventive ways to bolster nearshore marine 
habitats, such as eelgrass and kelp beds, in order to maintain a vibrant Seattle waterfront and a living marine 
system. The efficacy of naturebased solutions depends on monitoring to determine whether or not the intended 
benefits are actually achieved. The Port property is a great place to test out innovative actions and conduct ongoing 
monitoring of the Smith Cove Blue Carbon Project. 
Puget Sound Restoration Fund is involved in multiple kelprelated efforts, including developing bull kelp restoration 
techniques, assessing the effect of kelp cultivation on seawater conditions and shellfish, and partnering with NOAA, 
DNR, and others to develop a Kelp Conservation and Recovery Plan. Kelp is a critical component of a healthy, 
functioning, resilient marine ecosystem. Restoring or enhancing kelp along our waterfronts can help recover salmon, 
rockfish, and numerous other species. 
I applaud the Port for engaging in nearshore restoration and monitoring efforts. Thank you for this opportunity to 
provide public comment. 
Sincerely, 
Betsy Peabody 




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