Was sent to us yesterday:I wanted to update you on a few things. First, the hearing for HB 2300 went long and the committee wasn’t able to hear testimony from the public on 2300 specifically. The hearing has been rescheduled for January 10 at 8:00 am.We’re concerned that this bills might be passed, and WEC is doing everything we can to get the language and intention of the bills right. However, we need the public to speak up on these issues and let legislators know that, not only are these bills unfairly blaming marbled murrelets for the economic struggles of rural communities, but they are really unhelpful. Those of us at WEC care about rural communities and want to see them thrive, but logging more state lands is not the way to achieve that. We want DNR and Hilary Franz to take a leadership role in her Solutions Table process and not have the legislature meddle in the process. And more importantly, your government leaders need to know that their constituents care about wildlife, forests and ecological systems, and about this little chunky bird that is teetering on extinction.If you live in the 19th or 24th district—your voice is especially important since these areas are rural and heavily timber-dependent. Please take the time to review some of our talking points and email the legislators on the committees considering the bills. See attached document for more information.TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE—PLEASE SEND YOUR EMAIL(S) BEFORE THURSDAY, JANUARY 11.As always, let me know if you have any questions or concerns.Thanks,ArianneArianne Jaco • Evergreen Forests Program Associate1402 Third Avenue | Suite 1400 | Seattle, WA 98101
Filed under: Puget Sound | Tagged: HB2300, legislation, marbled murrelet, Puget Sound |
A link to the text of the HB2300 would be convenient in your future emails. Just sayin’.
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The Marbled Murrelet is just another innocent victim of a Government agency working for industry and not ensuring functional life support systems for all.
I have been a resident of the Olympic Peninsula for ~45 years and during that time have witnessed the pillage of a large portion of the old growth forest and degradation to the NW salmon fisheries, killer whales, bottom fisheries, baitfish, spotted owls, Marbled Murrelets, other shorebirds of every description, water quality, both fresh and salt, numerous insects and much more. Each and everyone sacrificed to profits that enriched the few only to leave the Peninsula degraded in the end. That cycle must end. Old Growth Forest is a vital piece of the survival of all, including the residents, both near and far.
Capitalism unencumbered by the requirements of functioning life support systems = mutually assured destruction.
Please help…
Leif Knutsen
Port Townsend, WA