Save Union Bay Public Meeting Tonight

Tonight at 6:30pm  the Save Union Bay Association (SUBA) will host a public meeting at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture (3501 NE 41st Street in Laurelhurst) to discuss aquatic plant management strategies and review the draft plan for Union Bay. Public comments will also be taken.

"Save Union Bay Association (SUBA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the environment and ecology of this shallow bay and surrounding wetlands, parkland and developed property," their website says.


It was organized in 1970 to deal with milfoil problems. Currently the group's projects include invasive wildlife and plant management.

Union Bay is located at the western edge of Lake Washington where the Montlake Cut connects Lake Washington with Portage Bay and Lake Union.

"It is anticipated that Union Bay will be significantly affected in the coming decade by SR520 construction projects," the SUBA website says as 520 runs across Union Bay near the UW Arboretum. 

Here is information sent to us by Susan from the Association about tonight's meeting:

Representatives from the Association's consulting firm, Herrera Environmental Consultants, will review the different management strategies that were studied; discuss the preferred method to reduce invasive aquatic weeds in Union Bay and receive public comments.

A description of the preferred strategy is posted on the website  http://saveunionbay.org. 

Union Bay suffers from an infestation of non-native aquatic plants including milfoil, elodea, curly leafed pondweed, and white waterlily. This vegetation, covering 90% of the available plant habitat in the bay, impedes boat navigation and swimming; impairs habitat for salmonid migration; and reduces feeding access for eagles and diving ducks.


Save Union Bay Association and Seattle Public Utilities received a grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to develop a plan to reduce invasive aquatic plant coverage within strategic areas while protecting native aquatic plants and wildlife.

Public comments must be received by October 15th and can be emailed to saveunionbayassn@gmail.com.

Or mail to:
Herrera Consultants ATTN: Save Union Bay Association
2200 6th Ave Suite 1100
Seattle, WA 98121-1820
 
(photo courtesy of SUBA website)