As someone who has had the privilege of calling Brinnon home and spending time working on projects aimed at improving our community, I want to share an idea that I believe can unite us in a common purpose: “Sustainable Rural Living.” This isn’t just a phrase; it’s a commitment to strengthening our community’s resilience, preserving our rural way of life, and ensuring a bright future for everyone, especially our younger generations.

I strongly feel that this mindset and uniting around a common phrase will help us get Jefferson County more involved in funding the things we need to prosper. This unified mindset will also help us shoot down or redirect proposals for our community that do not support “sustainable rural living.” 

How do new permitting regulations help us sustain our rural living? Same question for rerouting the Dosewallips to flood out the Lazy C? How does closing a campground help us sustain this life? 

Many of us have devoted our time to various non-profit organizations, working tirelessly for the betterment of Brinnon. However, recent events remind us of the challenges we face and strengths we have. We have seen some local non-profits dissolve due to a lack of engagement and funding. Many of our long-time volunteers are aging, and burnout is a growing concern. This is a crucial moment to rethink our approach, engage new members, and inspire leadership among our youth and younger adults.

As the southernmost community in Jefferson County, Brinnon has often found itself on the outskirts of attention when it comes to county funding and resources. Many of us know all too well the frustration of feeling left behind as other areas of the county receive more support and focus. But in recent times, Brinnon residents have started speaking up more forcefully, advocating for the attention and resources we deserve. This initiative, “Sustainable Rural Living,” can serve as a clear, unified message to the county about who we are, what we value, and what we need to sustain our way of life.

Additionally, changes are on the horizon with the upcoming master-planned resort in our area. While this development may bring new economic opportunities, it also poses questions about how to maintain our community’s character and rural lifestyle amidst modernization. County leadership is moving forward with initiatives to update and streamline their processes, signaling shifts in how our region will approach growth and development in the coming years. It’s critical that Brinnon’s voice remains strong in these conversations.

Here are five points about what Sustainable Rural Living means for Brinnon:

• Sustaining Our Rural Heritage: Sustainability is about maintaining the aspects of rural life that we cherish, such as salmon fishing, crabbing, shellfish farming, logging, and wild mushroom foraging. By promoting these traditional activities, we preserve our way of life while adapting to modern needs. As new developments arise, we must find ways to support these industries, ensuring that they continue to be viable, community-focused careers.

• Local Economy: Supporting local businesses and building a network of community-minded entrepreneurs will be even more critical as we navigate the economic changes a new resort may bring. Our outdoor recreation and tourism industry, already a significant part of Brinnon’s identity, stands to benefit if managed thoughtfully. Hosting workshops and markets where young innovators can showcase their skills and products will provide new opportunities and strengthen our community’s economic fabric.

•Education and Awareness: By organizing events focused on sustainable living practices, we can raise awareness about conservation, self-sufficiency, community and resource management. It’s vital that we educate both residents and incoming visitors about the unique aspects of our rural lifestyle. Providing learning opportunities around sustainable fishing, crabbing, foraging, forestry products, and farming will help ensure these practices endure, even as Brinnon grows and modernizes.

• Community Connections: A sustainable community is one where relationships and mutual support thrive. Engaging our younger residents in careers like logging, shellfish farming, outdoor recreation, and tourism can foster a sense of belonging and responsibility. As Brinnon changes, these connections will be the foundation for preserving our way of life.

• Intergenerational Collaboration: By pairing experienced volunteers with younger members, we can create an environment for knowledge-sharing that revitalizes our efforts. As county processes modernize, this collaboration will be essential in navigating new regulations and business practices while ensuring the preservation of our community’s wisdom and values.

What do you think? This effort is meant to be a community-driven initiative. The phrase “Sustainable Rural Living” is a suggestion I believe could resonate with many of us. However, it’s vital that this effort reflects the views and desires of the entire community. Your feedback is crucial to shaping this initiative in a way that truly represents what we all care about. 

Does “Sustainable Rural Living” capture the essence of what we want to preserve and promote in Brinnon? Or do you have other ideas or suggestions for a phrase that better fits our vision? This initiative needs to be a consensus, something we can all rally behind. Your input will help guide how we move forward and ensure that our efforts align with our shared values.

This is not political. It is about shared values and a common desire to maintain what makes Brinnon special. By working together, we can adapt to these changes while securing our community’s heritage and future.

Dan Ventura is one of three fire commissioners in Brinnon and president of the North Hood Canal Chamber of Commerce. An earlier version of this was posted online.