Presentation by Rick Jahnke, Admiralty Audubon president

Kah Tai (qatáy) has weathered controversy and misguided attempts at development since the late 1800s, including the dumping of 231,000 cubic yards of dredge spoil in 1963. In 1980, an effort by many Port Townsend residents to protect the area created a Land and Water Conservation Fund park dedicated in perpetuity to wildlife habitat, with compatible passive recreation. More than 180 bird species have been recorded at Kah Tai as the habitat planted by humans, birds and the wind matures into woodlands, grasslands and wetlands.

Rick will present aspects of the physical, political, legal and ecological evolution of the lagoon and created uplands as they have transitioned from dredge spoil to beautiful habitat that attracts and supports a wide variety of birds and other wildlife. He will highlight the role of community involvement in the park development and the wildlife that can now be seen as well as future challenges for the park.