A brief note about the Salish Sea poll
I think it’s about time to end our poll regarding a possible official recognition of the name “Salish Sea.” I’ll leave the poll up for two more days, completing a week since it was posted.
So far, as of this posting, those who support officially adding a new name outnumber opponents by just a few votes. A handful of people would support the name but only if the U.S. or Canadian governments would agree.
If you haven’t voted, please read the entry I wrote last week for Water Ways, and choose from the polling choices in the column to the right.
Some folks are legitimately concerned that “Salish Sea” may create some confusion, but I think it’s important to understand that this idea will not change any existing names. It simply adds the name for those who want to talk inclusively about the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Puget Sound and the Strait of Georgia.
To be sure, I can’t see the name being used on many Washington state maps, unless they include portions of British Columbia for some reason. For the moment, the only proposal is for the Washington State Board on Geographic Names to officially recognize “Salish Sea” as a legitimate name for our state.
That’s about it, and regardless of any official sanction, I think the name will continue to grow in use.
If you’d like to get your thoughts to those who will make a difference, you may write to:
Washington State Board on Geographic Names
1111 Washington St. SE, PO Box 47030
Olympia, WA 98504-7030
360-902-1231
Fax 360-902-1778
bogn@dnr.wa.gov
Feel free to include your comments here as well.
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Tags: Salish Sea
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April 8th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I agree, it is critical to identify the entire ecosystem, and eventually, the political boundries will fade to dotted lines.
April 8th, 2009 at 6:53 pm
“I agree, it is critical to identify the entire ecosystem, and eventually, the political boundries will fade to dotted lines.”
I kind of like those political boundaries. Working up here in Canada during the week, I get to see the taxes that my Canadian counterparts have to pay and what they get in return….not thanks! I will stick with America!
Ps. I like the Salish Sea idea. I have a chart in my study that has the Salish Sea “defined”. Kind of neat looking for those of us who like charts and navigation.