The Natural Resources Department at the Squaxin Island Tribe has been a pioneer in the scientific investigation of water pollution in Oakland Bay.  One of our key findings is that windy conditions stir up bacteria laden sediment at the upper end of the bay and those bacteria can close down shellfish harvest.

We have always been hampered by the lack of weather stations in the area to get more accurate wind data.  Currently the data comes from Shelton Airport.  To partially solve the problem, Natural Resources developed a partnership with Pioneer School to install a King 5 SchoolNet Weather Station.  The proposal received funding funding from the Squaxin Island Tribe’s 1% commission and the weather station has been installed.

It can be viewed at http://www.aws.com/FlashDisplay.asp?id=SHPNR.  John Konovsky