February 4, 2010

· Legislative update

· Reiter Foothills Forest progress report

· Forest Watch Program

· Volunteer opportunities

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has just released its Draft Strategic Plan. You can download the plan at: www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/em_dnr_draft_strategic_plan_1_25_2010.pdf

US Forest Service Launches Effort to Rewrite Forest Panning Rule -- Shifts Focus to 'Restoration'

Opportunity for Public Comment Through February 16, 2010

Motorcycle Industry Council: Enthusiasts and Industry Must Mount Massive Grassroots Effort to Advocate for Amendment to the CPSIA

CPSC Recommendations to Amend CPSIA Could Stop the Ban on Youth Motorcycles and ATVs;
Urge Congress to Act Swiftly on Proposed Changes

Save Larch Mountain Correctional Facility!


SWWA is on the verge of losing a valued institution established in 1957 to restore the Yacolt Burn State Forest, and to help insure that catastrophic forest fires were not repeated. The Governors proposed budget will permanently close Larch Mountain Correctional facility in order to “save” the State $12 million dollars and balance the budget in 2009. If passed, the permanent closure of Larch Camp will generate long-term and potentially profound negative consequences for many residents and institutions in SWWA who are reliant upon the services provided by the inmate crews based at Larch Camp….....