Fish & Forest Rules apply to public and PRIVATE lands

commentary by Sharon Shumate 

The article of May 24th, State Board Adopts Historic New Forest and Fish Rules, some things were not mentioned.

Did anyone notice the term maintaining and abandoning existing roads? According to the rules, all forest roads must be covered under an approved road maintenance and abandonment plan within 5 years of the effective date of this rule or by December 31, 2005. This includes all roads that were constructed or used for forest practices after 1974, and these roads are to be abandoned within 15 years. (Page 221, New Section WAC 222-24-051 Proposed Rules Forest Practices Board)

Maintaining the economic viability of Washington's timber industry? The economic impact statement says "lost employment in Western Washington is projected at $283 Million, mostly by small business. Eastern Washington, losses are projected at $23 Million, mostly by small business. The implication is that further closures of small mills are likely to take place and the price of lumber will increase by 40%. (Page 153 Proposed Rules Forest Practices Board)

The article also states, the new rules will bring Washington into compliance with the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act on private and state forestland. Guess What? Page 256 states Compliance with the Forest Practices Act or these rules does not ensure compliance with the Endangered Species Act or other federal laws.

Participating landowners are eligible to receive at least half of the commercial value of trees they leave standing to protect water quality and fish habitat via conservation easements. What the article did not mention is that you will receive a one-time payment for half of the value of trees on your land now. This agreement will be in effect for 50 years. You will be required to pay taxes on this land for 50 years even though you will be unable to harvest any trees without the express consent of the DNR. This easement will also be in effect for the person you sell your land to or your heirs. Fifty years of taxes for 50% of the value of the trees that are there now? Is this just compensation?

These rules apply to 12 Million acres of private and state managed land. They affect timber harvest, road building, reforestation, brush control, pesticide and fertilizer use. Know what else? The term "wildlife" has been eliminated and the term "unlisted species agreement" inserted. Does that mean fungus, bacteria, plants or whatever? Page 165

Is there anything we can do to keep the State of Washington and the Federal Government from taking our lands through rules and regulations? YES!

Will explore that option next week – DID YOU KNOW 

Sharon Shumate lives in Republic, WA. She testified at the public hearing in Yakima against the Rules on April 24, 2001.

Back to Current Edition Citizen Review Archive LINKS Search This Site