To Whidbey Island residents who love and care about our environment. My struggles to bring awareness of the creosote–soaked logs in Lake Hancock and throughout Whidbey Island beaches and a solution to the problem have been helped along by a lot of really good and caring people.

I’d like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt ‘thank you” to the following people: Sen. Patty Murray, for listening to me, inspiring me, and encouraging me to do more than just talk about it; state Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen for her interest and support; and Rep. Kelly Barlean for his tireless effort and support. Thanks also to the State Dept. of Fish and Wildlife’s Richard Johnson and Julie Klacan, Victor Yoshino of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, John White of American Piledriving Equipment, Russ Tarleton of Seed Law, Richard and Andree Ploss, Howard Garrett of the Orca Conservancy, Paul and Pam Schell, Matt Nichols, Rupert Schmitt, and all the volunteers who helped us set up the balloons in Lake Hancock, my wife and daughters for putting up with all of this, and others too numerous to mention.

On Saturday, Dec. 22, we’re going to do another balloon marking on the wood at Double Bluff beach in order for the public to be able to see for themselves the incredible infestation of creosoted logs on this one short stretch of beach. If you want to give Puget Sound a Christmas “present,” then come see how we can save her.

Frantz lives in Freeland.