<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto"><div dir="ltr">Hi everyone,<div dir="ltr"><span>The Whidbey Audubon Society (WAS) has started a movement to establish better protections for Deer Lagoon Preserve on Whidbey Island. WAS hopes to work in partnership with Island County to draft and implement a critically needed detailed site specific management plan for Deer Lagoon Preserve. </span><br><span></span><br><span>In 2004 Island County Public Works purchased 379 acres at Deer Lagoon with funding from a US Fish and Wildlife Service grant. After twenty years of passive management by Island County, fish and wildlife habitat and the environment have been degraded due to increased use and abuse. </span><br><span></span><br><span>The County is currently making updates to the existing Island County Comprehensive Plan, which is required every ten years under the State Growth Management Act. NOW is the most critical time to have our voices heard to preserve and protect this Important Bird Area. </span><br><span></span><br><span>Please visit the Deer Lagoon Preserve Advocacy page: </span><a href="https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/deer-lagoon-advocacy">https://www.whidbeyaudubonsociety.org/deer-lagoon-advocacy </a> to learn more about this incredible birding site and how to make your voice heard so that this Whidbey Island birding gem can be protected, preserved and restored for many generations to come. </div><div dir="ltr"><span></span><br><span>Thank you in advance for your time and support.</span><br><span></span><br><span>Sincerely,</span><br><span></span><br><span></span><br><span>Carlos Andersen</span></div></div></body></html>