e-washington state saf newsletter: march 2004
Washington SAF E-Letter is e-mailed to members 6 times each year following each State executive committee meeting. Your feedback is welcome. Contact pjheide@comcast.net.
Policy News
On February 20th Chuck Lorenz testified before the House Agriculture and Natural Resource Committee in favor of the Forest Health Bill, SB 6144. At a public meeting on March 11 Pete Heide spoke in support of the Board of Natural Resources selection of 636 million board foot annual harvest as the preferred alternative for the final Sustained Yield Calculation for westside state trust lands. Both statements followed WSSAF's approved policy positions.
The Governor is expected to sign SB 6144 that will, among other things, establish technical committee to assist the Commissioner of Public lands in developing a strategic plan to deal with forest health issues in Washington. Thanks you our policy co-chair, John Ehrenreich, the legislation specifies that a representative of a professional forestry organization (SAF) be appointed to the committee.
The legislature backed away from requiring FSC certification for state trust lands, but they have served notice that they will be scrutinizing any plans DNR may have to harvest old growth timber. Although Commissioner Sutherland proposed a ban on old growth harvest, the Board of Natural Resources has tabled the idea until the Sustained Yield decision is finalized in June. The Board also put off any decision on certification until Sustained Yield is decided.
Next up for SAF participation and comment is the update and revision of the 1992 DNR Forest Resource Plan. Scoping meetings will be held across the state between March 22 and April 1. Contact Farra Arnold at DNR for information at farra.arnold@wadnr.gov.
WSSAF Foundation
So far, two long time WSSAF members have tentatively agreed to serve on the Foundation board. We will have the board complete by the May State meeting.
New Member on the Executive Committee
Zoanne Aylesworth is taking over the WSSAF treasury. Zoanne continues the strong tradition of Longview Chapter member participation in state affairs. Having kept us solvent for the last year, Mark Biser, is now interested in becoming an unofficial liaison between his first love, tree farming, and the WSSAF.
Volunteer Opportunity
The Tree Farm Program is seeking individuals in Southwest Washington to complete the one-day training and become Tree Farm inspector. The pay is lousy, but the task is rewarding, bringing professional forester into contact with family forests owners to promote good stewardship. Please contact Doug Stinson (treeman@toledotel.com) or Georg Ziegltrum (gzielgtrum@wfpa.org).
Chapter Focus
The North Olympic Chapter has been busy this winter. Members have been meeting twice monthly along with several folks from Admiralty Inlet Chapter to work on the 2004 annual meeting. Gordon Gibbs is planning Chapter participation in the 6th grade conservation days for three school districts on the north peninsula that will be held right after the WSSAF meeting.
Archives
You may find the eletter archives here!
WSSAF Officers
Chair: Peter Heide (pheide@wfpa.org)
Chair-elect: Chuck Lorenz (charles.w.lorenz@irs.gov)
Secretary: Doug Ruston (drus461@ecy.wa.gov)
Treasurer: Zoanne Aylesworth (zoanne.aylesworth@wadnr.gov)
Member at Large: Bill Horn (bill.horn@weyerhaeuser.com)
Past Chair: Nancy Peckman (nancy.peckman@weyerhaeuser.com)