Kitsap Environmental Coalition

At Kitsap Environmental Coalition we begin every meeting by reading this statement aloud:

        We acknowledge that we are on the ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people. It is in this setting that KEC’s mission is to educate and advocate for safe, water, air, and soil to support a sustainable environment. KEC sees nature as having its own inalienable and inherent rights. Humans are part of nature, not owners of it. We have come together as a Group because of a call to action for the future of all beings and our planet. We embrace inclusion and diversity and recognize we all bring different experiences, talents, perspectives, and strengths to KEC.

In 2022 we read this statement over 50 times – in front of County Commissioners, State Representatives, local leaders, and many people in Kitsap County who are ready to be a part of a movement to help Kitsap County thrive.  

KEC was formed in 2018 by a fired-up group of people who had seen enough of our precious county cut down in clear cuts and routinely sprayed with toxic chemicals.  Since then, we’ve worked hard to protect the things we love.  And we have been effective.  We have seen positive movement in the following areas:

• KEC organized three tours of the Eglon Trust Lands with community leaders and citizens to advocate for State funding to support their preservation.
• KEC helped spread the word to the community when amphibians at the Arborwood development were stopped from migrating by a silt fence.  KEC members worked with Kitsap Park Stewards to pressure the County and State to remove the barrier.  
• To protect the wildlife and quiet spaces at Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park, KEC enlisted the help of a Law Firm to ensure that State environmental mandates were followed.  

In doing this work we have also formed relationships with County leaders and staff, by advocating and leading disagreements with civil discourse and dignified discussions.  We now have over 1100 Kitsap residents engaged through the KEC website, social media, and community forums, striving for environmental and racial justice and a clean and healthy Kitsap.

All of KEC's work is done by volunteers.  Last year we logged in over 2,000 hours of volunteer time.  In 2023 we would like to hire someone to help with items such as pond/wetland research, help restart the KEC Presents Program and support our continued legal approach.

With so much needing attention, it’s easy to get focused on all of the things we don’t want to happen.  But in 2023 we are focusing on things that we want to see in Kitsap County.  KEC’s vision of the county is that of an Ecological and Just County – where people along with wildlife thrive.  Where amphibians and owls are values along with people; where public meetings are held where people can talk and be heard; where our indigenous roots are honored; where our indigenous presence is heard.  Do you have a vision of Kitsap County that you want to share?

Please join us with your financial support and by being part of our meetings and events as given on our site https://kitsapenvironmentalcoalition.org/.  We have big dreams for Kitsap – and money gives us options.