KPLU Local News
(2009-10-30)
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A map of the area proposed to be named "The Salish Sea"
Western Washington Univ. web.
The Washington State Board on Geographic Names is the outfit that decides what to call creeks, mountains and other natural features. It was in the 1980s that the board first considered a proposal to use the name Salish Sea. The name is meant to recognize the Coast Salish group of Indian tribes that have historically inhabited the region. At that point, it was an unknown term, and there was little enthusiasm for it. But the board's Caleb Maki says that's changed.
"In the ensuing years, the name kind of caught on in unofficial use," he says. "It does appear quite frequently on the internet and many organizations are using the term in their name."
There's some concern that the new term would replace the familiar names. If the board does approve the proposal, the Puget Sound and each of the straits would keep their individual names, as well.
Proponents of the change hope having a recognized name for the Northwest's inland waterways will raise awareness of the need to protect them.
Map of the Salish Sea from Western Washington University web site.
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