We couldn't be more excited to announce that there is a new Surfrider Chapter getting off the ground in Washington! The Grays Harbor Chapter is currently located in Ocean Shores, but hopes to expand to include members of the Westport community as well. This stretch of Washington's outer coast is one of the most heavily visited and therefore impacted areas. Luckily, the community si full of passionate, dedicated activists working to keep this stretch of coastline a healthy, vibrant place to live and visit.
The Chapter began as a group of concerned citizens frustrated with the amount of trash being left on and washing up on their beaches. Bruce Rittenhouse, who works at the Coastal Interpretive Center, began organizing meetings for people who shared his values and concerns about plastic pollution. Having worked with Surfrider's Olympia Chapter through Surfrider Washington's partnership with Washington Coastsavers during cleanup events, they were aware of Surfrider's mission. After debating different options, they decided that becoming a Surfrider Chapter would be the fastest way to implement change in their community.
As of December 2023, we've got some great momentum - we've elected a full Executive Committee (the dedicated team of volunteers that organize Chapter events, identify priorities, and make things happen), set up our website, and have our first public meeting planned for December 6th! We also have our big annual planning retreat in early January so we can kick the year off with some strategic planning so we can hit the ground running in 2024. Stay tuned for more information on how to get involved!
Our crew at this year's International Coastal Cleanup Day included volunteers, Surfrider staff, Coastsavers, WA State Parks, and even the Ocean Shore's Mayor and City Councilmembers!