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Department of Ecology News Release - Nov. 13, 2003
03-221
BELLINGHAM - Lynden apple grower Dorie Belisle received an Environmental Excellence Award today from the state Department of Ecology at the annual Salmon Summit in Bellingham.
The award by the Ecology Department (Ecology) recognizes leadership, innovation and extraordinary service to protect, improve or clean up the environment.
"Dorie Belisle started at home in the family's 25-acre apple orchard, installing drip irrigation and using integrated pest management. These practices require knowledge, time and attention to detail," said Richard Grout, manager of Ecology's Bellingham Field Office.
Integrated pest management (IPM) relies on using the least invasive or harmful method available for controlling insects and weeds. Grout said the Belisles also lease land to a dairy and have incorporated the best practices for managing manure and controlling storm water.
With a grant from Ecology and technical help from local agriculture and salmon experts, Belisle coordinates landowners in the Tenmile and Fourmile creek watersheds to carry out pollution controls and streamside improvements.
The banks along Fourmile Creek have been replanted and 10 landowners have begun growing thousands of trees to be used in restoring stream banks in other areas of Whatcom County.
With her family's orchard in the Tenmile Creek watershed, Belisle has re-energized landowners there who've been working to improve agricultural practices and to repair stream sides for some time.
Belisle touts the cooperative approach to improving habitat and water quality through tours she gives to state and local lawmakers, agency managers and advocacy groups.
"Dorie knows how to make things happen by linking human, fiscal and environmental capital," Grout said.
In addition to participation by landowners and farmers, Belisle receives assistance from the Nooksack Salmon Enhancement Association, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the Whatcom Conservation District.
Belisle has served on the local Agriculture Preservation Committee and Horticultural Pest and Disease Board. She also completed a two-year state-wide program for leadership in agriculture and forestry.
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Contact: Joan Pelley, Public Information Office, 360-738-6247
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
