October 24, 2007 Hot Topics News of Interest to members of Washington Farm Forestry Association

In This Issue Town Hall Details Note the Dates A Message from WFFA Quick Links Washington Farm Forestry Association For general information visit the Governor's Website: www.governor.wa.gov Governor Gregoire invites you to share your thoughts on the issues most important to you. __________________ FOR BOTH PROGRAMS Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.  Please plan to arrive early. The program will begin at 7:00 p.m. __________________ SPOKANE Tuesday October 30 University High School Gymnasium 12420 E 32nd Ave Spokane Valley WA 99216 Registration form Google Map to Location -------------------- TACOMA Monday November 5 Stadium High School Cafeteria/Commons 111 North E Street   Tacoma WA 98403 Click here to RSVP online Click here for Directions and Parking

This is the third issue of a newsletter that we plan to issue at irregular intervals, as the news collects.  It will contain articles and links to information that may be of interest to WFFA members, but which are not directly related to the activities of the organization.  We hope it will consolidate some of the duplicate forwarded e-mails that go around.  You may "unsubscribe" if you wish, but please bear with us for a few months as we try to put this process in place.  Please note the Table of Contents to the left of this column which will allow you to quickly determine if there is anything that interests you.  Also, don't be scared to print this because the background color doesn't print! Treefully, Rick Dunning GOVERNOR'S TOWN HALL MEETINGS IN SPOKANE OCTOBER 30, 2007 IN TACOMA NOVEMBER 5, 2007 Dear members of the Washington Farm Forestry Association, You have been invited to the Governor's Town Hall Meetings to ask questions or to comment on the importance of maintaining our working forest and farm lands.  It is an opportunity to use the power of "we the people" that is still found in our political system, if you chose to take the time and initiative to attend. Recently the WFFA staff had conversations with John Mankowski, Executive Policy Advisor to Governor Gregoire, on the WFFA vision of farm forestry in Washington.  We suggested the WFFA would be willing to publicly "have a celebration" with the Governor and with the Department of Natural Resources in July of 2008 if we could see completion of two things:  One, smooth sailing and satisfied tree farmers using 15-year permits; and two, acceptance of Lewis County's Family Forest HCP by the federal and state agencies. We also have hopes of moving forward with "Low Impact Harvest" legislation and hope to have continued Governor's support this session.  "Low Impact Harvest" legislation would allow the harvest of 20,000 board feet (4 - 5 log truck loads) of timber with a simple one page notification process rather than the onerous Forest Practice Application and permit currently needed.  This could be used for a very small harvest or forest health issue such as root rot or blow down.  "Low Impact Harvest" would be limited to small harvests that have no impact on the public resources such as clean water or fish habitat.  This could also help the Department of Natural Resources deal with the "hazard tree" issue. The importance of Governor Gregoire hearing from us can not be overstated.  It is your face and voice that helps her best understand our issues and concerns.  If you chose to speak, please write it down in case you are asked to leave a copy of your statement.  Keep it short and respectful.  Even if you plan on just attending and saying your name and that you are there as a member of the WFFA and a concerned Small Forest Landowner, it is a way that you can bring value to our association and proudly participate in our republic. Rick Dunning, Executive Director Washington Farm Forestry Association