I wanted to share with you this special opportunity to learn more about the ecological communities of the region and the human regulations that affect these resources. The Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group is now accepting applications for the Citizen Action Training School, and is looking for participants from diverse backgrounds and occupations and with a passion for local watersheds and shorelines to participate.

The Citizen Action Training School, or CATS, is modeled after a successful program first implemented in the late 1980s in Snohomish County by the Pilchuck Audubon Society. The RFEGs program will include the original watershed ecology and civic education and engagement components with an added focus on Puget Sound Recovery. CATS participants will become aware, educated, and active stewards and advocates for their watersheds and the greater Puget Sound. Participants will receive 50 hours of training over 3 months, and will give back by volunteering at least 50 hours to plan and complete a service project in their community related to the Puget Sound Strategic Initiatives:

1. Prevention of Stormwater Pollution
2. Protection/Restoration of Habitat
3. Recovery of Shellfish Beds.

For more information, I encourage you to check out the program website at www.pugetsoundcats.org

CATS is a great opportunity for anyone interested in Puget Sound recovery, especially for people who want the tools to be active in their community and advocate in support of local watersheds and shorelines. The training sessions will be conducted on a diverse spectrum of issues related to Puget Sound recovery and by presenters who are experts in their field, so this is an awesome opportunity for students, government officials, concerned citizens and others.

CATS sessions are being offered throughout the Puget Sound region, with the next session starting early this March in Seattle and additional trainings in Everett, and on the Olympic Peninsula in 2014. Applications for the winter 2014 sessions are due by February 28th and there are limited spaces available so get yours in soon! To apply or for more information, contact the Seattle CATS Coordinator Leihla Scharlau at Leihla@midsoundfisheries.org or (206) 529-9467.