July 24, 2003
NEWS RELEASE
(For Immediate Release)

Contacts: Patricia Powell, WCLT (360) 321-5141

Pam Pritzl, FOCIP (360) 387-7024

URGENCY MOUNTS TO PROTECT HERONS' HOME
Island County Awards Conservation Grant to Project

Time is running out to raise the remaining funds needed to protect the
188-nest Davis Slough heronry on Camano Island, one of the largest Great
Blue Heron nesting colonies remaining in Puget Sound.

Although 70% of the funds to purchase the 31-acre property have been
raised, another $165,000 is needed before the purchase option expires on
August 30, 2003. If the fundraising goal is not achieved by this date, the
property will be sold for development. Nesting herons are extremely
sensitive to human intrusion. Typically, when people move in, herons move
out.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust and the Friends of Camano Island Parks
(FOCIP) are spearheading the effort to save the Davis Slough Heronry. The
non-profit organizations successfully applied for an Island County
Conservation Futures grant of $255,000 to pay for half of the acquisition
effort. To receive this grant, the Land Trust and FOCIP must raise an equal
amount from private donations. The grant was awarded by the Island County
Commissioners earlier this week.

The Davis Slough Heronry, home to over 400 adult Great Blue Herons, is
located on the north end of Camano Island, between the rich feeding grounds
of Skagit Bay and Port Susan Bay. The heronry has experienced rapid growth,
going from just 30 nests in 1991 to over 188 in 2003. The property to be
purchased includes all 188 heron nests, room for nesting expansion, and an
essential buffer area that will help maintain the privacy this species
craves. FOCIP will be the site steward, ensuring the habitat is maintained
and enhanced and that the heron nesting colony is protected.

"The Davis Slough property is prime breeding and nesting habitat for herons
and there just isn't much of that remaining due to rapid population
growth and development in the coastal areas of Puget Sound," said Ruth
Milner, District Biologist for the Washington Department of Fish and
Wildlife. Scientists believe the Puget Sound heron subspecies is in decline
due to extensive habitat destruction and other disturbances.
"Unfortunately, herons and humans find the same lands attractive for making
their homes and herons can't compete with people", said Milner.

"This is a really rare and exciting opportunity to do something meaningful
for Great Blue Herons and safeguard them for the citizens of Washington
State who love to see and hear them," said Patricia Powell, executive
director of the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Powell adds that "If the public
's effort is successful in acquiring and protecting this property, it will
allow the Davis Slough heron colony to grow and thrive."

Donations will be matched dollar for dollar with the County's Conservation
Futures grant. People who would like to help protect the Davis Slough
Heronry can send a tax-deductible donation to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust,
PO Box 1453, Langley, WA 98260 (website at www.wclt.org). Checks should be
marked "Davis Slough". Employer matching gifts are welcome. Questions can
be directed to Pat Powell at (360) 321-5141. Powell urged prospective
donors to contribute before August 30th when the purchase option expires.

The Whidbey Camano Land Trust is a non-profit conservation organization
dedicated to working with property owners and the community to protect
special places on Whidbey and Camano islands for current and future
generations..

The Friends of Camano Island Parks is a non-profit volunteer organization
that promotes acquisition of parks and preserves, provides educational
opportunities in the natural world and help steward Camano Island's
protected lands.