Partnership
Recognizing that citizen education and outreach are fundamental to protecting and restoring Puget Sound habitats and resources, the state’s two major universities are proposing a unique partnership – Sound Future – designed to give citizens the opportunity to get engaged, learn and take action. Sound Future would focus university talent and resources on public involvement in the Puget Sound Action Agenda, drawing on and expanding the proven expertise of the University of Washington’s Washington Sea Grant and Washington State University Extension.
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the UW, provides technical assistance targeting marine resource users throughout western Washington, is working to support and enhance citizen science efforts in Puget Sound and supports crucial research by the region’s leading marine scientists.
- With offices in every county around Puget Sound, WSU Extension offers an extensive network of technical experts and educators and a volunteer network of Beach Watchers.
Sound Future would increase the capacity of these two university programs to provide technical assistance and also give thousands of citizens the opportunity to become actively involved in science-based programs to learn about, monitor and improve the health of the sound.
Sound Future is a goal that cannot be fully realized without additional investment. The two universities are developing a cost-effective budget for expanding and diversifying volunteer training, technical expertise and outreach activities on critical Puget Sound issues.
