Earth Share of Washington

New Columbia River water law will help fishing and farming communities

- Submitted by Amy Souers Kober from ESW organization American Rivers

Fishing and agricultural communities along the Columbia River will benefit from new legislation, recently signed into law by Governor Gregoire, that will improve water supplies while protecting river health.

The bill, which passed the legislature with overwhelming majorities in both chambers, was the product of negotiations among a group of diverse stakeholders, including American Rivers and the Washington Environmental Council.

The Columbia River is the iconic river of our state and was once the largest salmon producing river system in the world, with annual returns peaking at an estimated 10 to 16 million fish. But today, the health of the Columbia and the Snake, its largest tributary, has been compromised. Thirteen stocks of salmon and steelhead that rely on these rivers are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Dam building and water withdrawals are two of the most harmful impacts.

For years, the Columbia River has lacked an overall management plan to address the water needs of people for out-of-stream use, such as irrigation and municipal water supply, while at the same time keeping enough water in the river to protect fish, wildlife and water quality.

This new law meets that long-standing need by providing for a thoughtful approach to finding new water supplies. It requires a hard look at costs and benefits, and full consideration of alternatives to new storage, like conservation and market mechanisms, before any new storage facilities are constructed. The law is, on balance, a step in the right direction toward sound long-term water management.

American Rivers and WEC helped secure important protections for the Columbia and lower Snake rivers, including:

• Protection of existing stream flows in the Columbia and lower Snake during critical times of the year.
• Increased funding for conservation and other non-structural water supply alternatives.
• Development of a long-term water supply and demand forecast.
• Improved and publicly-available information on water rights and water use along the Columbia River.
• Requirement that a thorough need, alternatives, and cost analysis be conducted prior to constructing any new storage facilities.
• Permanent dedication of one-third of the water in any new storage facilities built to improve river flow.
• Water saved through publicly funded conservation projects will be placed in trust for stream flow protection.

While the new law goes a long way toward protecting flows in the Columbia and lower Snake, it does not address the major harm to salmon and steelhead caused by federal dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers. Significant changes in the operation of some dams and the removal of the four costly, outdated dams on the lower Snake, along with other habitat, hatchery and harvest improvements, will be needed to recover wild salmon and steelhead to healthy, fishable levels.

Rob Masonis, Northwest regional director for American Rivers, called the new Columbia River water law a good compromise.

"It is significant that diverse interests reached out across the cultural divide of the Cascade mountains to make this happen," he said. "We hope this success will be infectious and lead to a more constructive conversation about how to protect the rural communities and the rivers, fish and wildlife that make Washington such a special place to live."

To learn more about the new Columbia water law visit www.americanrivers.org/columbiawater

Volunteers Wanted for Clean Energy Initiative

- By Cy Berryman from ESW organization NW Energy Coalition

Washington State is taking an exciting step toward securing more clean energy for its citizens. A broad coalition of environmental, business and labor organizations, including the Sierra Club, United Steelworkers, NW Energy Coalition, and Congressman Jay Inslee, has launched an initiative for the November 2006 ballot. This initiative will ensure Washington’s largest electric utilities purchase 15% of their power from clean and renewable resources, like wind and solar, by 2020 and help consumers save on utility bills by improving energy efficiency in homes and businesses.

In 2004, just over 1 percent of Washington State’s electricity came from clean, renewable sources other than hydropower. Historically, our region has tapped low-cost hydropower from the region’s dams, providing around two-thirds of Washington’s electric power. Several years of low snow pack have dramatically demonstrated the dangers of over-reliance on such a climate-dependent resource.

Investments in clean energy provide a viable alternative to fossil fuels. New fossil fuel plants, like coal, are currently being proposed in Washington. Fossil fuels pollute our air and land, contribute to global warming, increase cases of asthma and lung disease, and cause severe rate hikes. We can avoid the negative impacts fossil fuels bring and protect our health and the environment with abundant, local clean energy sources such as wind and solar power.

Everyone in Washington will benefit from investments in clean and renewable energy because it:

• Protects consumers from the volatile price swings associated with fossil fuels, providing long-term rate stability.
• Reduces hazardous air pollution and global warming emissions.
• Creates thousands of family-supporting jobs in engineering, construction and building design.
• Benefits family farms and local economies. Farmers hosting wind projects earn up to $5,000 a year per wind turbine.

Passage of I-937 will add Washington to the list of 20 states (and the District of Columbia) that already have enacted similar standards, and make it the second -- after Colorado – to do so through an initiative.

To qualify the clean energy initiative for the November ballot, volunteers must gather over 160,000 signatures from Washington voters by June 30, 2006. Volunteers are needed from across the state to collect signatures to ensure that Washington voters have the opportunity to vote YES for clean energy on November 7th, 2006. Please call (206) 283-3335 today to volunteer or visit the campaign web site at www.yeson937.org for more information.

PAWS Wildlife Center: A Unique Volunteer Experience

- By Rebecca Mandell, Wildlife Volunteer Program Manager

As the days get longer and the temperatures get milder, chances are you are spending more time outside enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you have probably begun to notice the birds singing more and collecting extra nesting materials. You may have witnessed small mammals acting oddly, such as pairs of squirrels chasing each other around tree trunks. Perhaps you've seen birds on the move, as migrating species return home from the south and species that winter in the northwest leave for the journey back to the artic. All of these are signs that spring is near and baby animals are on the way.

With both people and animals on the go at this time of year, PAWS Wildlife Center knows that human-wildlife conflicts are bound to ensue. What does that mean for PAWS? It is time to gear up for thousands of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals that will inevitably come our way for care. What does that mean for you? There are tons of ways that you can get involved and support the rehabilitation of wild animals at PAWS!

The process of rehabilitating these animals and ultimately releasing them back into the wild requires a great deal of teamwork. PAWS Wildlife Center relies on the dedication and commitment of more than 250 volunteers to carry out our mission. Volunteers contribute in a variety of ways. Some commit to working a set, four to five hour shift each week. Others that have a more limiting schedule may volunteer for just one day to help with a special project. Regardless of how much time they are able to contribute, PAWS Wildlife volunteers know that they are helping give wild animals a second chance at life.

For volunteers who want to develop their skills and learn a great deal about the huge diversity of wild species in Washington, a committed weekly position is the perfect fit and we have several unique options from which to choose. Each of these positions is integral to the successful operations of PAWS Wildlife Center, and requires training, commitment, and hard work. Wildlife Care Assistants help the Wildlife Rehabilitators with cage set-up and cleaning, making food for the animals, and hand-feeding baby mammals. They have the opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, behavior, and basic medical skills -- and may ultimately choose to pursue a license in wildlife rehabilitation. Bird Nursery Caretakers are dedicated to feeding, cleaning, and caring for the hundreds of baby, orphaned songbirds that come to PAWS every summer. This is the perfect position for bird lovers, who get to work with a wide variety of native Washington songbirds and watch them go through every stage of development--from hatchling to nestling to fledgling--and ultimately get to see the grown birds fly free in the wild! Facility Caretaker Assistants develop their construction and landscaping skills, helping PAWS staff members maintain and improve caging options in order to provide the best possible care for our wild patients. Transport Team Members serve as our wildlife ambulance network, transporting wild patients from Seattle Animal Control to PAWS Wildlife Center for care.

In return for their hard work, volunteers are given the opportunity to learn new skills in wildlife rehabilitation and attend optional educational programs, like presentations by local wildlife experts and guided field trips. Committed volunteers are also given the opportunity to help with the final step of the rehabilitation process: the release. Imagine the satisfaction in witnessing a once-ailing animal run, fly, or swim back to a wild life.

The rewards of working with wildlife are tremendous, as one volunteer explains: "I don't feel like my hands are completely tied when I see a dead animal alongside the road anymore, or when I see a habitat being cleared for a new building. At least I'm able to reverse some of the damage we inflict on our wild neighbors by volunteering at PAWS. And beyond the direct work I do on my volunteer shift, the knowledge that I'm always gaining through my work at PAWS equips me to better educate friends and acquaintances in a non-invasive way when the discussion turns toward wildlife..."

If you are looking for an opportunity to give back to the natural world and learn more about Washington wildlife, you can read more about PAWS and see a complete listing of volunteer opportunities at www.paws.org. If you would like a volunteer information packet mailed your way, call the Volunteer Info Line at (425) 787-2500 ×838. Don't forget to share this unique volunteer opportunity with your friends and family members. And whatever you do... enjoy the spring season!

Award of $10,000 Will Help Hiking Trails on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest

- Submitted by ESW organization Washington Trails Association

National Forest Foundation grants matching funds to Washington Trails Association

The National Forest Foundation has approved $10,000 in matching funds to help hiking trails in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and other public lands in southwest Washington.

Washington Trails Association (WTA) has one year to raise $10,000 from private donors in order to redeem the available matching funds. The matching funds will be used to support WTA’s recruitment of new volunteers from southwest Washington and Oregon.

"Last year, WTA coordinated just over 2,000 hours of volunteer trail maintenance on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and other public lands in southwest Washington," said Lace Thornberg, Development Director for Washington Trails Association. “We've got an ambitious goal to double our volunteer hours in southwest Washington in 2006, and we're very excited to be putting more volunteers on the ground in a region where so many hiking trails are in desperate need of maintenance."

WTA's 2006 volunteer trail maintenance schedule includes a work party in southwest Washington every other weekend. This spring, WTA will be taking the lead in building two connecting trails in Beacon Rock State Park, making it possible to do three new loop hikes. The added two miles of new trail will provide access to a deep forest and a beautiful overlook of the Gorge. WTA will also be providing needed maintenance on the Tanamous Trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area this spring. The Tanamous Trail sat dormant for a few years but the Forest Service and WTA are working hard on restoring it to meet trail standards. Crews will return to work on various trails on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest as the snow retreats, including Silver Star Mountain and others.

"Another season or two without maintenance would leave some trails in jeopardy of degrading to the point of closure. If we lose these trails, we lose access to the region's magnificent public lands," said Thornberg.

To double the amount of work done on trails this year, WTA will be broadcasting a call for volunteers from southwest Washington and the Portland area. There is simply more work to be done than available volunteers; new recruits are needed to take on new construction projects such as two miles of new trail at Beacon Rock State Park.

“Long-term, we'd like to see volunteer trail maintenance become part of the regular routine for outdoor enthusiasts in the area,� said Thornberg. “It’s a model that's worked around the country and around the state. Imagine it working for southwest Washington -- we could save a lot of trails.�

The National Forest Foundation, chartered by Congress, engages America in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 192 million-acre National Forest System. This award marks the first grant WTA has received from The National Forest Foundation.

Please contact Lace Thornberg, WTA’s Development Director at lace@wta.org or (206) 625-1367 to volunteer for a day of trail work. For more information on trails and trail projects on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, call (360) 891-5000 or visit www.fs.fed.us/gpnf.

Governor Gregoire Honors Native Plant Appreciation Week in Washington

April 30th through May 6th, 2006

What is Native Plant Appreciation Week?

This week is a celebration of the amazing diversity of Washington’s over 3000 native plant species that inhabit deserts, rain forests, high alpine environments, river valleys, and even backyard landscapes. Native plant ecosystems are critical to sustaining our native wildlife and the quality of Washington’s environment.

The Native Plant Appreciation Week inspires citizens through diverse activities and events to learn more about native plant species and their habitats and how to protect them. The public can participate in everything from talks, walks, hikes, garden tours, and visits to our natural areas to active involvement in habitat restoration projects.

It is also an opportunity to convey the tremendous threat posed by invasive exotic pests – insects, plant diseases and invasive plant species. The public can see and learn how invasive species harm native plants and ecosystems. They can learn about work being done in both the public and private sector to combat that threat.

Native Plant Appreciation Week is primarily an opportunity to celebrate our native floral abundance, our amazing bio-diversity, and all the good work being done to protect and preserve it.

Upcoming Events & Volunteer Opportunities - March 2006

• March 6 - Pioneer Park Restoration Work Party – 2:00 to 5:00 PM - NW Corner of Island Crest Way and SE 68th St. on Mercer Island, WA - Work with EarthCorps and the City of Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Dept. to help restore Pioneer Park! Pioneer Park is 113 acres of forested habitat, the largest forested park on Mercer Island. This park is home to over 70 bird species and 12 different mammals, and offers the most extensive trail system on the island. The restoration goals for this park include planting native conifer trees; removing non-native plants, such as ivy, that prevent native plants from growing; and site maintenance activities. For more information or to signup, contact Elizabeth White, Outreach Project Manager at (206) 255-4160 or email elizabeth@earthcorps.org.
• March 10 & 11 - 3rd Annual Northwest Sustainability Conference, Strengthen Your Hope For the Future - 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM - Mountaineers Conference Center; Seattle, WA - Are you interested in creating an ecologically sustainable world? You are invited to join citizens, professionals and leaders from the Northwest community to learn about recent developments, continuing progress in sustainability. Admission is $30 each day or $50 for the whole conference. Student prices and volunteer opportunities are available. For more information, please visit the event website: http://www.nweec.org/sust-400_03-06_seattle.htm or contact emorgan@nweec.org.
• March 11, 18, 25 - Golden Gardens Hiking Trail Restoration Work Parties – 8:30 to 2:30 PM - Volunteers for Outdoor Washington has teamed up with the City of Seattle to restore the trails of this popular urban park on the shores of Puget Sound. Following a safety talk, volunteers will clear invasive species, plant native vegetation and rebuild hiking trails so park visitors will have a safe and enjoyable visit. Please meet at the off-leash dog area parking lot. For more information or to sign up for this event, please contact Todd Jennings at todd@trailvolunteers.org or call 206-517-3019.
• March 18 - 4th Annual Northwest Biodiesel Forum: Advanced Fuel Choices Now! – 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Hanger #30, Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA - Come learn about biodiesel, the cleaner-burning renewable transportation, heating, or marine fuel made from any vegetable or animal oil. See exhibits, tour hands-on demonstrations of how to make biodiesel, and hear how buses, ferries, and consumers are driving up demand for biodiesel crops to be grown in the Northwest. The annual Forum is produced by the Northwest Biodiesel Network - a public group comprised of consumers, distributors, producers, and others interested in promoting biodiesel in the Northwest.
• March 21 - 16th Annual Anthony's Oyster Olympics - Shucking for the Sound - 3:00 - 9:00 PM - Anthony’s HomePort at Shilshole Bay, 6135 Seaview NW, Seattle WA - Taste 20 varieties of local oysters…the best oysters in the world…with Washington wines and Red Hook Ales. Meet the producers. Fun for all: Celebrity Oyster Slurp, restaurant competitions, shucking championship, Washington's largest oyster contest, oyster-themed “fashionâ€? judging, oyster art, silent auction and more. Ongoing live entertainment. Oysters, oysters, oysters…nude, stewed and BBQ-ed…but you don’t have to be an oyster lover to join the fun. Bountiful buffet by Anthony’s. Tickets: $85. Advance purchase only. For tickets contact the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance: 206-297-7002. http://www.pugetsoundkeeper.org/
• March 23-26 - 8th Annual Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival - It's time to retreat to Sleeping Lady in Leavenworth! This year’s theme is “Walking the Ecological Line.â€? The theme is a play on the Johnny Cash tune, “I Walk the Lineâ€? and a way to broaden the base and scope of films at the festival this year. This year’s festival will have more films, programming, and speakers than ever before and every day they have a new addition to this beloved four day fest. The best way to stay up to date on the upcoming schedule and to register is by going to the festival website at www.hazelfilm.org. It is currently being updated nearly every day.
• April 4, 8, 11 - Sound Stewardship Training - 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM -3:00 PM Saturday - Port of Seattle Headquarters, Pier 69, 2711 Alaskan Way: Room 2D East - Want to get involved in the restoration community? This free three-class series will teach you how to be a local habitat hero. Class topics will include an introduction to ecology, native vs. invasive plant identification, and weed control and planting techniques. In return for 12 hours of training, you are asked to commit to 40 volunteer hours over the next year on a People For Puget Sound restoration site of their choice. Food and refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Bronwyn Dexter at stewardship@pugetsound.org or by calling (206) 382-7007.
• April 5 - Toxics in Puget Sound: Connecting the Marine Environment with Human Health and the Economy - 7:00-8:30 PM - Seattle, Washington at Town Hall, 1119 Eighth Avenue - Learn the effects of Puget Sound pollution on resident mammals (orcas and humans), and what can be done to improve marine health. For more information about this event, please contact Heather Trim, 206-382-7007 X215 or htrim@pugetsound.org.