At our Nov. 4, 2024 meeting, Don Wolf shared a post from Michelle Krowl, a historian in the Library of Congress: In the summer of 1864, President Lincoln understood that his chances of reelection in November hinged on military success in a war now in its fourth year. The war effort seemed to have stalled for the Union, and the public blamed President Lincoln. The political news for Lincoln was no brighter, Republican insider Thurlow Weed told Lincoln in Mid-August 1864 that “His re-election was an impossibility”. It was in this context that Abraham Lincoln wrote the following memorandum on August 23, 1864: This morning, as for some days past, it seems exceedingly probable that this Administration will not be re-elected. Then it will be my duty to so cooperate with the President elect, as to save the Union between the election and the inauguration; as he will have secured his election on such ground that he cannot possibly save it afterwards - A. Lincoln. Lincoln folded the memorandum and pasted it closed, so that the text inside could not be read. He took it to a cabinet meeting and instructed the cabinet members to sign the outside of the memo, sight unseen, which they did. Historians now refer to this document variously as the “Blind Memo” or “Blind Memorandum” because the cabinet signed it “blind”. In so doing the Lincoln administration pledged itself to accept the verdict of the people in November and to help save the Union should Lincoln not be reelected. Danya Wolf welcomed our Guests: Tate Ohl - MONA, a potential new member. She is attending after receiving advice from her father, a Rotarian in the Tri-Cities. He told her joining Rotary is a good way to get acquainted with the community she is now serving. Alison Studley - Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group was also introduced as our speaker for the evening. Below are notes from her presentation. Presentation: Audrey Gravley introduced Allison and shared her educational credentials: She has a BS in Environmental Science and a Masters in Marine Affairs from the UW. She is the Director of the non-profit, Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group, and a Skagit Valley Native.  The group’s mission is to restore and enhance the Skagit River ecosystem to provide a diverse environment for not only Salmon, but all species that are part of a very vital and complex network. Their priority is habitat restoration aas well as education of both adults and children. SFEG collaborates with county, state and federal entities. They also join with other nonprofits, local tribes and public schools. Grants, donations and memberships provide funding. They have worked with the state dept. of Fish and Wildlife on state land that sometimes improves access for people as well as the salmon. . The group solicits volunteers to help with restoration projects and education. “The work we do is for anybody who appreciates clean water”. Alison described the Skagit as “Magical and unique in the world”. One-third of all water that drains into the Puget (15 rivers total) Sound comes from the Skagit. Habitat diversity is varied and complex. Eagles and Swans have rebounded to a point that they are no longer in decline, an indication that is hopeful for salmon recovery. **The Skagit is the only river in the US with all five species of Salmon present. It has the largest population of Chinook/Kings in the Puget Sound. Salmon are unique in that they require both fresh and saltwater, starting in freshwater, migrating to salt then back to fresh. This process requires healthy habitat throughout the system. Alison highlighted several projects such as planting trees, restoring fish passage in small streams to provide protection for the “fry and fingerlings”. Creating small channels with debris for little fish to hide and grow big improves survival when they move to the salt water (work with farmers to clear crossings, old culverts, etc.). At Riverfront Park SFEG and volunteers removed a restrictive culvert, built a bridge tha enhanced a public trail, planted trees and restored habitat (Burlington Rotary assisted with the tree planting). Coming up: Carpenter Creek Barrier culvert coordinated project located on Little Mtn in south MV - there are a bunch of culverts, and the group is working with city, county and private landowners for access and support. SFEG plants about 40,000 trees a year along 61 miles of rivers, streams and shorelines. The work with tribes for data collection, adult surveys, monitor vegetation, work with colleges for internships, 128,000 community members reached. Salmon sightings: Nov. 23rd - near Lake Samish, volunteers show visitors Educating youth: Kids in Creeks and Stream Stewards are programs for older students who are taught how to monitor water quality, take samples, and gather data. Salmon in the Schools (La Conner participates) where classrooms are provided with salmon eggs and are able to watch the process of hatching and early growth. This program is very engaging! How Can You Help? Volunteer, Donate, Sponsor an event, Great Presentation!  Announcements: A Thank You Note from the IPA Foundation - for recent donation $1,902 was shared with those in attendance. Audrey's Closing Remarks “November is Rotary Foundation Month. WHAT IS A ROTARY FOUNDATION SUSTAINING MEMBER: someone who contributes $100 or more each year to the Annual Fund. These contributions count toward several different kinds of individual recognition as well as club recognition banners. “Volunteering is the very core of being human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help” Heather French Henry |