to advance forest science, technology, practice, education, and a conservation ethic to benefit society

e-washington state saf newsletter: december 2007

Strategic Outcome 1: Be the Leading Professional Forestry Organization in the World

  1. Report on recent SAF Council meeting (John McMahon)
    1. Bernie Hubbard is incoming president for 2008. Former Michigan state forester.
    2. Clark Seeley is the new District Representative from Oregon replacing Rick Barnes.
  2. Fellows Nominations Nominations to be received until January 31, with recommendation to our District Representative Kirk David by March 31. Note the e-mail on this from chair Rushton in early December, which contained more information, including the revised timeline. The schedule has been moved up in order to give recognition at the National Convention. Dick Pierson and Don Theoe are our representatives on the District Fellows Committee.

Strategic Outcome 2: Provide Enhanced Service to Landowners and Employers

Strategic Outcome 3: Provide Enhanced Service to Society at Large

  1. MOU with WACD WSSAF executive committee approved signing the cooperation memorandum of Understanding with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts.
  2. Veteran's Conservation Corps Rob Sjogren of Green River CC gave an update on activities. Lots of opportunities for engagement.

Strategic Outcome 4: Accomplish Effective Engagement in Forest Policy

  1. Policy positions (Doug St. John)
    1. WSSAF is reviewing and updating position statements posted on our website.
    2. We will be adding a policy statement on fires and the woodland/urban interface.
  2. Forester Licensing Continue keeping our ears to the ground and coordinating with Inland Empire. (Bill Horn).

Strategic Outcome 5: Enhance Professional Education, Performance, and Leadership

  1. OR/WA Leadership Conference scheduled for January 25-26 at the renovated Red Lion Inn in Kelso. Watch the web for information.
  2. WSSAF ex comm passed resolution in support of Oregon SAF's proposed naming the national Communication award after Bill Hagenstein.

Strategic Outcome 6: Ensure Development and Sound Stewardship of SAF's Resources

  1. Foresters' Fund $40,000 to be available in 2008 for FF grants. Think about projects, follow the rules and notes the timelines.
  2. Use of student dues Rob Sjogren suggested dues from students go to states rather than national so they could be more focused. Follow-up needed.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. OR/WA Leadership meeting January 25-26, 2008 at the Red Lion in Kelso.
  2. The Washington Farm Forestry Association annual meeting will be April 25-26, 2008
  3. Oregon SAF Annual Meeting. May 7-8, 2008 in Eugene.
  4. 2008 National Convention, November 5-9, 2008, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Registration opens in May, 2008.

e-washington state saf newsletter: november 2007

HIGHLIGHTS

Strategic Outcome 1: Be the Leading Professional Forestry Organization in the World

  1. Green River Community College was named national student chapter of the year and Washington state chapter of the year for 2007. Congratulations to chapter chair Jen Wren and advisors Dick Hopkins and Rob Sjogren.
  2. Updating of the WS SAF website. We accomplished some updating (more to be done) by some reorganization, publishing of our meetings, our quarterly reports, and a bi-monthly WS SAF newsletter covering various SAF activities.
  3. OR/WA Leadership Conference. WSSAF coordinated with Oregon SAF in presenting the 2007 Oregon/Washington Leadership conference on 1/19-20/07 in Hood River, OR. Sessions from Congressman Brian Baird, Developing SAF Reaction to Sensitive Policy Issues, Strategic Planning, and increasing vitality in your chapter (including membership). GRCC took 16 students and 2 instructors to WA/OR Leadership Conference. Student Chapter chair Jenny Wren helped with the Vitality activity.
  4. WS SAF strategic plan. We initiated development of a strategic plan for WSSAF. The executive Committee voted on March 16, 2007 to pursue development of a plan. We plan to have a draft plan for the December 5, 2007 WS SAF ex com meeting. This will be a 2-plus page plan, coinciding with the strategic outcome categories of the National Strategic Plan.
  5. Approved budget for 2007 at the March 16, 2007 executive committee meeting.
  6. SAF Focus group. Participated in SAF focus group with 8-10 others from around the country. My understanding is the results from this group will help in determining future directions for the organization.

Strategic Outcome 2: Provide Enhanced Service to Landowners and Employers

  1. SAF co-sponsored two Family Forest Owners Field Days. One in Cle Elum and the other at the Hama Hama Tree Farm on Hood Canal. Andy Perleberg (SAF Mid-Columbia) and crew held these really great events. See http://www.ncw.wsu.edu/foreststewardship.

Strategic Outcome 3: Provide Enhanced Service to Society at Large

  1. Puyallup Fair (Western Washington State Fair). Bill Horn again headed up the SAF booth in the Northwest Outdoors building. John Bergvall is in overall charge of the building. Numerous SAF volunteers participated and the Fair had something like 1.4 million visitors, many of whom stopped at the SAF booth. This is important as this is probably our biggest outreach effort of the year. Washington State Society of American Foresters
  2. MOU with WACD. We initiated development of a memorandum of understanding between WSSAF and the Washington Association of Conservation Districts (WACD). It was sent out to WS SAF ex comm for review in October, with no comments being forthcoming. As of mid-November, it is being reviewed by the WACD Board. WSSAF executive committee approved the concept on 3/16/07 and on 3/19/07, the Officers and Directors of the WACD passed a resolution to develop an MOU with WSSAF. This MOU would benefit both organizations through education, increased networking, leveraged support on many areas of common interest, expanded learning opportunities, and many other benefits.
  3. WS SAF representation in a Snohomish County workgroup for local land use planning regarding the use of forest lands. This effort will review Snohomish county's policies for protecting forest lands. WS SAF's involvement is lead by Doug St. John.
  4. Appointed Dick Pierson and Don Theoe to the District 1 Fellows Committee. They replaced Patrick Cummings (whose term expired) and Ann Forest Burns (who moved to Wisconsin.) We gave nice certificates of appreciation to Ann and Pat.
  5. Took part in HSD meeting at the National Convention in Portland and in several conference calls through out the year. Washington's chair acted as a one of five national conveners.

Strategic Outcome 4: Accomplish Effective Engagement in Forest Policy

  1. WS SAF Positions on website
    1. WS SAF is reviewing and updating position statements posted on our website.
    2. We will be adding a policy statement on fires and the woodland/urban interface.
  2. Policy article accepted by Journal of Forestry. "On Science" article submitted to the Journal of Forestry. Policy committee chair Bob Dick prepared an article on the use of science (including what is 'credible' science). The ex comm endorsed, with some minor modifications, and Bob submitted the document to the JoF. The article has been accepted for publication at a future, unspecified date. This important issue was the subject of a panel at the 2007 Oregon/Washington Leadership Conference.
  3. Forester Licensing. We had a short meeting in conjunction with the Portland Convention. Bill Horn and Doug Rushton met with Phil Anderson (Inland Empire) coordinating our approach. A draft work plan has been agreed. Rushton obtained copy of Paul Adams's licensing and credentialing presentation given at the 2007 SAF Convention. Bill Horn is leading our effort. Our goal is to have our stance in place prior to the next legislative session.
  4. OR/WA Leadership Conference. At the OR/WA Leadership Conference, we asked Congressman Brian Baird to address how SAF can affect forestry-related issues in congress. Although he had to bow out at the last minute, he did provide an almost 8-minute video which we presented to the 80 assembled.
  5. Also at the OR/WA Leadership Conference, we had a panel on SAF being able to react to sensitive issues - using the Oregon Salvage Logging issue (AKA - Donato issue) as a case study.
  6. The Southwest Washington Chapter sponsored a Legislative dinner on February 20. Seven representatives and Senators attended, which is a great turnout during session. About 60 SAF members and guests heard presentations on forestry issues of the day, focusing on Forest Fragmentation and Conversion, Eastside Forest Health, and the Trust Mandate for State Lands.
  7. Comments on Legislation
    • Several SAF members commented as individuals on proposed Senate Bill 5834, regarding licensing of foresters. We have worked out an agreement with Inland Empire to work on the issue together and come up with ideas and issues that we think need to be addressed prior to next legislative session.
    • Provided legislative input to Senator Mary Margaret Haugen who had proposed the "Office of Farmland Preservation". Proposed adding forest lands since the issue for agricultural and forest lands are essentially the same (fragmentation, conversion, etc.) In the latest version of the bill, the language regarding forest lands has been omitted.

Strategic Outcome 5: Enhance Professional Education, Performance, and Leadership

  1. Continuing Forestry Education (CFE). WS SAF continuing education coordinator Ellie Lathrop, at our July meeting, walked the group through continuing education and recertification requirements. Check the website for specifics. If you have a chapter event, request credit from the coordinator at least two weeks in advance. Volunteer hours may qualify as CFE for some categories.
  2. At the OR/WA Leadership Conference, we had a session on increasing chapter vitality and membership. We came up with three pages of ideas which were sent to attendees, WS SAF and posted on the WS SAF website - Welcome to the Oregon Society and Washington State Society of American Foresters
  3. Many members from WS SAF worked on the 2007 National Convention, which we co-sponsored with Oregon. Special thanks to more people than I could possibly name - there were so many - but especially to Gretchen Nicholas who was program co-chair and Vicki Christiansen, Arrangements co-chair. Over 2,000 attended the Portland convention.
  4. Appointed Dick Pierson and Don Theoe to the District 1 Fellows Committee. They replaced Patrick Cummings (whose term expired) and Ann Forest Burns (who moved to Wisconsin.) We gave nice certificates of appreciation to Ann and Pat.
  5. Took part in HSD meeting at the National Convention in Portland and in several conference calls through out the year. Washington's chair acted as a one of five national conveners.
  6. 2007 WS SAF annual business meeting. We conducted our required annual business meeting in conjunction with the 2007 Portland Convention. We had 63 in attendance.
    • Treasurer Chuck Loren reported on our finances, which are in relatively good shape: $17,738.07 net worth and $5,167.07 in current operating funds.
    • Presented 2007 Forester of the Year award to Gretchen Nicholas.
    • Presented 2007 Chapter of the Year award to Green River Community College. Pete Heide built a beautiful dove-tail jointed box or storing the award, a bird's eye maple bowl, which was accepted by the Chapter.
    • WS SAF Foundation brochure distributed. We distributed our new foundation brochure, Nurturing Forestry in Washington State, at the meeting.
    • WS SAF had ten members reach the 50 year membership mark during 2007. Those WS SAF members who reached "GOLDEN" status in 2007 are:
      • Nils A. Arneson
      • Gero E. Mitschelen
      • John T. Standerwick
      • Raymond G. Weinmann
      • Bill C. Balka
      • Alan C. Randall
      • Wesley M. Rickard
      • Roy E. Friis
      • Guy R. Lusignan
      • David L. Bowden

Strategic Outcome 6: Ensure Development and Sound Stewardship of SAF's Resources

  1. Foresters' Fund Grant. The Family Forest Owners Field Day in Cle Elum held on June 23rd received $3,500 grant. The applications asked for support of the SW WA Legislative Dinner and the Mid-Columbia Forest Landowner's Field Day.
  2. FF donation for the Portland Convention. WS SAF, at its October 5, 2007 meeting, authorized a donation for the auction at the National Convention of $100-plus for a Filson Cruisers jacket (a good Pacific Northwest product and a forestry icon).
  3. Presentation to 2007 HSD meeting. The "Chapter Vitality" presentation from the 2007 OR/WA Leadership conference was presented as a success story at the HSD meeting at the Portland Convention. Attendees seemed interested in how we identified methods, tools, approaches and ideas that chapters could take home with them for increasing involvement, membership and verve.
  4. WSSAF provided input to HSD and Council on the membership proposal, after discussion at the chapter and state level.
  5. NWO Finances. A meeting for the OR/WA SAF's Northwest Office is scheduled for November 14 and the primary topics will be developing and agreeing the budget for 2008.

Upcoming Meetings

  1. WS SAF executive committee will meet on December 5, 2007 at Green River Community College. The meeting will start at 9:30 and go until about 3 pm. Exact building and room to be determined.
  2. 2008 National Convention, November 5-9, 2008, at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, NV. Registration opens in May, 2008.
  3. The Washington Farm Forestry Association annual meeting will be April 25-26, 2008.

e-washington state saf newsletter: august 2007

Here is news for WS SAF members. Much going on and lots of things on the horizon. The Washington State Society of American Foresters Executive Committee met at the Department of Natural Resources Office in Castle Rock on July 20, 2007. Check the WS SAF website for the agenda, most of the handouts, and contact information. Minutes of the meeting will follow.

Highlights (and contacts)

Strategic Outcome 1: Be the Leading Professional Forestry Organization in the World

  1. Mentoring Night scheduled for September 27. Sponsored b the Green River Community College and South Puget Sound Chapters, this brings together students and young forester with those "more established".
  2. Green River CC will co-host student activities a the Portland national Convention with Oregon State University.
  3. Green River Community College was named this summer as student chapter of the year. Congratulations to chapter chair Jen Wren and advisors Dick Hopkins and Rob Sjogren.
  4. Northwest Office (NWO)
    • Lori Rasor, of our NWO in Portland, that we share with Oregon SAF, would like your ideas for themes for upcoming issues. She has many issues already lined out, but would appreciate hearing your ideas.
    • The Forestry Experts Database project is proceeding but Lori needs someone with forestry knowledge who could spend time verifying information. So if you have a few hours to donate or know of some one who could use a short-term job, contact Lori.

Strategic Outcome 2: Provide Enhanced Service to Landowners and Employers

  1. Family Forest Owners Field Day in Cle Elum. Andy Perleberg and crew held a really great event on June 23. (See may e-mail of June 23)
  2. A west-side Family Forest Owners Field Day is scheduled for the Hama Hama Tree Farm on Hood Canal on Saturday, September 23. SAF is a co-sponsor.

Strategic Outcome 3: Provide Enhanced Service to Society at Large

  1. Puyallup Fair (Western Washington State Fair). Bill Horn is again heading up the SAF booth in the Northwest Outdoors building. John Bergvall is in overall charge of the building. Sign-up as a volunteer. This is important as this is one of our biggest outreach efforts of the year.
  2. The Ex Comm authorized a $50 donation to the Northwest Forest Education Foundation.

Strategic Outcome 4: Accomplish Effective Engagement in Forest Policy

  1. WS SAF Positions on website
    • Doug St. John provided an update on the WS SAF positions posted on our website. They need updating.
    • Review to provide comments for discussion at the October 5 ex comm meeting. Send comments to Doug St. John ().
    • We will be adding a policy statement on fires and the woodland/urban interface.
  2. "On Science" article to the Journal of Forestry. Bob Dick prepared an article on the use of science (including what is 'credible' science). The ex com endorsed, with some minor modifications, the submission of the article to the JoF (which Bob subsequently did). This important issue was the subject of a panel at the 2007 Oregon/Washington Leadership Conference.
  3. Forester Licensing Bill Horn is leading our effort in developing the SAF perspective on this. He and his work group are coordinating with Inland Empire SAF, the Department of Natural Resources and the SAF National Office (as well as others). Our goal is to have our stance in place prior to the next legislative session.

Strategic Outcome 5: Enhance Professional Education, Performance, and Leadership

  1. Continuing Forestry Education (CFE) WS SAF continuing education coordinator Ellie Lathrop, walked the group through continuing education and recertification requirements. Check the website for specifics. If you have a chapter event, request credit from the coordinator at least two weeks in advance. Volunteer hours may qualify as CFE for some categories.
  2. WS SAF Foundation Work has continued on the brochure. Dave Yates, Don Hanley and Nancy Peckman are making headway and hope to have a near final draft by the end of August. Goal is to have it ready for the National Convention in October.

Strategic Outcome 6: Ensure Development and Sound Stewardship of SAF's Resources

  1. Foresters' Fund Grant The Family Forest Owners Field Day in Cle Elum held on June 23 received $3,500 grant.
  2. Electronic SAF Elections Get candidate information to Louise Murgia by September 4. (See my e-mail to WS SAF on July 2, 2007 for specific information)

Other items Note

Upcoming SAF meetings

e-washington state saf newsletter: june 2007

Next WSSAF executive committee meeting: July 20 From 9-3 in Conference Room 1 of the Castle Rock DNR Office (Pacific Cascade Region; 601 Bond Road; Castle Rock, WA 98611-0280). Take I-5 exit 48. Ellie Lathrop will be explaining continuing education and will be answering questions. If you have CE questions, please get them to Ellie () ahead of time.

Electronic newsletters To the extent possible, all chapters in WS SAF are encouraged to use electronic newsletters for communicating with membership. This can save a lot of money.

National Convention Registration Early registration for the convention ends August 14, so folks should sign up early and get a discount -- also, the cutoff for field trip registration appears to be August 2 -- important to get your requests in early. SAF National Convention 2007: Welcome!

National Convention Foresters' Fund Raffle and Silent Auction Items Items are needed for the National Convention Foresters' Fund raffle and silent auction. Nancy Peckman () will be at the July 20 ex comm. meeting, so you can bring items to that meeting (or get your ex comm representative to) and she can make sure they get to the convention. WS SAF needs to decide what items to donate.

Volunteer Opportunities for WS SAF Members at the National SAF Convention Portland, October 23-27. Help make this the best convention ever by volunteering for any of the following:

If interested, advise Jocko Burks () by email indicating day or days available; morning, afternoon or evening shift; job area (see above). He will confirm assignment with you before posting.

Elections

WA State Forester Licensing An SAF WS SAF subcommittee is working on "forester licensing" in Washington. Bill Horn is leading the effort to have SAF position/principles (in coordination with Inland Empire) for next legislative session. Doug St. John, Michael Jackson, Ann Forest Burns, and Gretchen Nicholas are also working on the issue with Bill. We are also coordinating with Inland Empire as this is a state-wide issue. Last year saw SB 5834 and it is likely something will be proposed this coming year. Licensing can be important because it can give assurances that those professing to be "foresters" are, in fact, qualified to call themselves foresters. SB 5834 - 2007-08

SAF representatives for Snohomish County's forest resource land use policies for the rural/forest interface. Snohomish County asked for SAF representation on their forest land use policy committee. (That's good news that they sought SAF's participation.) I received a great response when I asked for folks who might be able to take this on. Thank you for that. Doug St. John will be our representative with Kevin Zobrist as alternate.

WS SAF Foundation Working is progressing on the foundation brochure thanks to the efforts of Dave Yates, Don Hanley, Nancy Peckman and some others. The target is to have it ready for the 2007 National Convention. Washington State Society of American Foresters

Website We share our website with Oregon and it is a very useful tool for communications and notifications. Along with Oregon, we will be updating our website. At the last two ex comm meetings, I have asked for volunteers to work on this, but, alas, no takers until Lindsay Malone and Alicia Sullivan from UW said they can help. So, they and I will be working on this. Please send your ideas, concerns, and suggestions to me () by July 15. We will be coordinating with Oregon. Welcome to the Oregon Society and Washington State Society of American Foresters

2007 WS SAF Annual Meeting In 2006, we voted to have an abbreviated 2007 annual meeting in conjunction with the 2007 National Convention in Portland. The meeting will be from 12:30 until 1:30 on October 24 covering finances and updates. It will be at a location to be determined, but we are working with the National Office to get something "on the grounds" of the National Convention.

UPDATE: WS SAF Ex Comm meeting on June 1 at UW CFR Hosted by Eric Turnblom and the UW student chapter (Alicia Sullivan and Lindsay Malone participated), the meeting covered committee and chapter updates and we had a presentation from Becky Kelley of the Washington Environmental Council (that's right - an environmental group). She spoke about current WEC emphasis: federal forests, TFW/Forests and Fish implementation, state managed lands, sustainable harvest calculation, and DNR's forest stewardship council effort in their South Puget Sound Region. She said the environmental community is tending to focus on forest fragmentation and conversions.

For areas of common interest and partnering opportunities, she mentioned the Governor's new climate change initiative, incentives to keep lands in forest (including carbon sequestration), and the environmental community giving positive press to those "doing it right". Becky also expressed interest in the SAF effort and position in forester licensing.

UPDATE: Northwest Office Shared with Oregon, NWO brings much to SAF: the Western Forester magazine, conference and newsletter services (although we encourage electronic newsletters rather than paper), advice, developing a forestry experts database, and good general knowledge of SAF. It provides great services.

The June 13, 2007 meeting showed the operations and finances to be in order. We did identify, however, that for the past several years the NWO has operated with a deficit budget. This year, it looks like a little over $4,000 for the deficit. The office is extremely frugal and donations from chapters, chapter sponsorship of an issue of Western Forester, Foresters' Fund dedications to the NWO, converting from paper to electronic newsletters, would all be welcomed. Note: it looks like if all the chapters would go electronic, that effort would essentially wipe out the projected deficit.

Upcoming and Things to Watch For
Oregon-Washington Leadership conference will be hosted by WS SAF in 2008. Specific dates will be announced but the conference will be at the Kelso Red Lion.

Tentative Schedule and Topics: 2007 WS SAF Executive Committee Meetings
Date, Time, Location, Tentative Focus
July 20 9-3, Castle Rock DNR Office (601 Bond Road, exit 48 from I-5), Continuing education
October 5 9-3, Olympia area, Planning for 2008
October 24 12:30-1:30 abbreviated meeting at National Convention
December 7 9-3, TBD, SAF Organization

e-washington state saf newsletter: april 2007

Recent and Upcoming SAF (and related) Activity

New date for the WSSAF executive committee meeting Changed from May 18 to June 1 at a location to be announced.

Webster Forest Nursery Celebrates 50th Anniversary The Webster Nursery celebrates its 50th anniversary on April 4 from 10 a.m. to noon. Address is 9805 Blomberg St. SW; Olympia. Tool free: 877.890.2626. RSVP to .

John Bergvall received recognition as an "SAF Fellow" at the March 16, 2007 WS SAF ex comm. Congratulations and many thanks to John.

Free SAF video for chapters "Foresters: Growing Forests for our Future." Chapter chairs can contact Louise Murgia () at the National Office.

WA State Forester Licensing SAF WSSAF executive committee subcommittee to work on "forester licensing" in Washington established. Bill Horn, Doug St. John and Michael Jackson will work with an Inland Empire ex comm subcommittee to come up with an SAF perspective for the entire state. Target is to have a draft "position paper" in the fall.

Membership Ex comm provided input to the national office on the membership proposal. Overall, we think it is okay and like the student and regular categories and maybe look at some special designation for certified foresters. We support being inclusive, but do not want to lose the professional nature of the organization. Currently, there are avenues for about anyone to become an SAF member in one form or another.

WSSAF Strategic Plan At the March 16, 2007 ex comm meeting, the group approved pressing forward in developing a short (say 2-3 pages) strategic plan, consistent with the National SAF strategic plan. SAF - About SAF: 2004 Strategic Plan

Electronic newsletters To the extent possible, all chapters in WSSAF are encouraged to use electronic newsletters for communicating with membership.

Pursue MOU with the WACDM At the March 16, 2007 ex comm meeting, the group approved exploring an MOU with the Washington Association of Conservation Districts. At their March 19 meeting, the Officers and Directors of the WACD approved pursuing an MOU with WSSAF. Contact Doug Rushton () for more information.

Tentative Schedule and Topics: 2007 Washington State Executive Committee Meetings

Date, Time, Location, Tentative Focus
June 1, 9:30-3:00, North Seattle area, Partnerships
July 20, 9-3, Longview area, Continuing education
October 5, 9-3, Olympia area, Planning for 2008
December 7, 9-3, TBD, SAF Organization

e-washington state saf newsletter: february 2007

We held our 2007 Oregon-Washington Sociaety of American Forestsrs Leadership Conference on January 19-20 at the Hood River Inn in Hood River, Oregon. (Washington hosts the conference in even-numbered years.) We had 83 participants, of which 23 were from student chapters. Kudos to the Green River Community College student chapter; they had more chapter participation than any of the rest of us!

Sessions at the conference included:

The session on Chapter Vitality and Viability (pdf file) was a working session. Working in groups, participants came up with ideas to "charge up" their chapters and organizational units.

We held a Washington state SAF executive committee meeting in conjunction with the Leadership Conference. We covered the normal items on finances, chapter reports, and committee reports. Draft meeting minutes will be out a few weeks prior to the next meeting.

Tentative Schedule and Topics: 2007 Washington State Executive Committee Meetings

Date, Time, Location, Tentative Focus

March 16, 9-3, South Seattle area, WSSAF Strategic Plan
May 18, 9-3, North Seattle area, Partnerships
July 20, 9-3, Longview area, Continuing education
October 5, 9-3, Olympia area, Planning for 2008
December 7, 9-3, TBD, SAF Organization

Washington State Society of American Foresters Officers for 2007

Chair: Doug Rushton ()
Chair-elect: Zoanne Aylesworth ()
Past Chair: Don Hanley ()
Secretary: Scott Swanson ()
Treasurer: Chuck Lorenz ()
Member at large: Bill Horn ()

e-washington state saf newsletter: august 2005

Western Washington State Fair: Volunteer at the WSSAF Educational Exhibit

Each year the Washington state society hosts an educational exhibit at the The Western Washington Fair (September 9-25, 2005) in Puyallup, WA. The goal of the award-winning exhibit is to educate the public on the benefits of managed forests especially as relates to wildfire risk. The questions from visitors are on all sorts of subjects. We also get quite a few folks who respect our business and want to say so - it's great! Visit our sign-up schedule online.

On the fair page you will be able to check the available dates and shifts, see who else has volunteered, link to the schedule of fair events, and sign up for the shifts you want using your email. The 2-hour shifts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The shifts that are the most important to fill are shaded in green (Fridays and weekends).

Why should we all consider signing up to staff the WSSAF education exhibit? Simply put, the more the general public comes in contact with professional foresters, the greater the benefit to our profession, forest health and natural resources policy. Oh yeah, you get 2 free passes to the fair for each day you work! The deadline for signing up for a shift is September 5. Sign up later and your free passes might not make it to you in the mail (the fair management does not allow free passes to be picked up at the Will Call window).

Please communicate this information to your fellow members who do not have Internet access. We would appreciate it if the chapter officers make announcements at upcoming meetings and mention the fair information in newsletters. Please call Kelley McCarter if you have any questions at 206.524.0542.

WSSAF Executive Committee Meeting Schedule
September 23: 9:00am, Ellensburg
November 10: 9:00am, Castle Rock, DNR
December 9: 9:00am, U Washington

Your membership makes a difference!

WSSAF Officers
Chair: Chuck Lorenz (cwlorenz@idahovandals.com)
Chair-elect: Don Hanley (dhanley@u.washington.edu)
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: Peter Heide (pheide@wfpa.org)