Earth Day symposium scheduled

An Earth Day Symposium that will contain individual seminars as well as addresses by local elected officials will take place this Saturday in Bremerton.

“There are so many ways that we ned to be working to establish standards in the community,” said West Sound Conservation Council (WSCC) Chair Beth Wilson. “This conference will give people many different ways to approach environmental stewardship. This is the most important issue that faces us today and will be the deciding issue in the next election campaign.”

The symposium, which is co-sponsored by WSCC and the Washington State University Extension office, will open with a panel discussion by Sen. Derek Kilmer (D-Gig Harbor), Kitsap County Commissioner Chris Endresen, Bainbridge Island Mayor Darlene Kordonowy, Rep. Pat Lantz (D-Gig Harbor), Rep Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) and Rep. Larry Seaquist (D-Gig Harbor).

It will continue with individual sessions discussing habitat protection, clean energy, business development and eco-education.

Wilson said she hoped that young people will attend the symposium. She said that several interests would be represented, and that car fans would be interested by the presence of alternative vehicles.

“There are thousands of little things we can do,” Wilson said. “We need to look at ways that the county can reduce their carbon footprint.”

The afternoon session will include opportunities to try an electric or hybrid vehicle. Exhibits will include Kitsap area conservation groups, alternative fuels and energy sources, food and farm cooperatives and sustainable choices for home and business.

The symposium will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 28 at the Norm Dicks Center in Bremerton. A $10 fee includes lunch. To preregister send a check to WSCC, 10280 Orchard Ave. SE, Olalla WA 98359. For more information visit www.KitsapEarthDay.org or call (360) 394-5635 or (253) 857-5234.

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