The State of Washington Proclamation

WHEREAS, Washington’s Pacific Coast is threatened by tons of household plastics, lost fishing gear, and other kinds of manmade marine debris now polluting the world’s oceans and washing up on our beaches; and

WHEREAS, marine debris poisons and kills our marine mammals, seabirds, and other coastal wildlife and spoil the pristine beauty of Washington’s coastal parks, recreation areas, and wilderness beaches; and

WHEREAS, a significant amount of additional garbage is left on our beaches by people; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Coast Cleanup on April 17, 2010, provides an opportunity for concerned citizens to help reduce these impacts on Washington's Pacific coastal beaches; and

WHEREAS, the Washington Coast Cleanup and the broader Washington CoastSavers programs are a coordinated effort by multiple organizations and citizens groups, including Clallam Bay-Sekiu Lions Club, Discover Your Northwest, Grass Roots Garbage Gang, Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, Olympic National Park, Pacific Northwest Four Wheel Drive Association, Surfrider Foundation, and the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission; and

WHEREAS, the Makah, Hoh, and Quileute Tribes and the Quinault Nations also participate in the Washington Coast Cleanup; and

WHEREAS, the success of the effort to save our coast from marine debris depends upon participation by volunteers from outdoor recreation groups, schools, service clubs, and community organizations throughout Washington;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim April 17, 2010, as

Washington Coast Cleanup Day

in Washington State, and I urge all citizens to join me in this special observance.

Signed this 16th day of February, 2010

Governor Christine O. Gregoire