Vancouver, WA— Two cases of H1N1 swine flu have been reported in Clark County. Both are male students, one at Skyridge Middle School in Camas, the other at Sarah J. Anderson Elementary School in Vancouver.
“These cases are not a surprise, given the growing numbers of cases reported in Washington and the rest of the country. Fortunately, these students are both recovering and we wish them each a speedy return to good health,” said Dr. Alan Melnick, regional health officer. “Public Health will continue to work with schools and other community partners and agencies in Washington and the Portland metropolitan region to minimize the spread of H1N1 swine flu and keep citizens informed.”
In keeping with guidelines established by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Washington Department of Health, Clark County Public Health, the Vancouver School District and the Camas School District are working with both schools to ensure that all students with flu symptoms stay home for at least seven days, even if they feel better sooner. Students who are still sick seven days after falling ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after they have completely recovered. Ill students should not attend alternative child care.
If a child or adult is ill with other symptoms, they should stay home at least one day to see how the illness develops and until completely well for 24 hours. A few cases of H1N1 influenza begin with nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. “The most important thing you can do is to keep your child home if he or she is ill. If your child is so sick that you would normally seek medical care, please do so,” said Dr. Melnick. A list of free or low-cost health care providers is provided on the Clark County Public Health Web site at www.clark.wa.gov/public-health.
The symptoms of H1N1 swine flu are very similar to ordinary seasonal flu. Each morning, parents and caregivers should check their children and other family members for flu symptoms. Parents should ask: Does my child have
§ A sore throat, bad cough or runny nose?
§ Body aches or chills?
§ Vomiting or diarrhea?
§ A fever of 100 degrees or higher?
If parents answer yes to two or more questions, the child may have influenza and should stay home. Here are three important things everyone can do to help stay healthy and keep others safe:
Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow or upper arm.
Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers work too.
When ill, stay home. Seek medical care if that is what you would normally do, based on how you feel.
More information about H1N1 swine flu is available on the following Web sites:
www.clark.wa.gov/public-health
www.cdc.gov
www.doh.wa.gov
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
You may also call the Public Health Flu Information line at (360) 397-8021 or (877) 510-2772 outside Clark County.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
WA Department Of Financial Institutions Takes Possession Of Westsound Bank - Kitsap Bank Will Be New Owner
Bremerton’s Westsound Bank will reopen Monday — with minimal disruption of service throughout the weekend — under new ownership with Kitsap Bank of Port Orchard
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) took possession of Bremerton’s Westsound Bank today, citing severe asset problems, significant losses and inadequate capital. Immediately upon taking possession, DFI appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receiver. Then the FDIC immediately entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Kitsap Bank of Port Orchard, Wash.
The corporate office and the eight branches of Westsound Bank will reopen on Monday, May 11 with minimal disruption in services. Online services may not be available until Monday.
“It is regrettable to have to take such actions, but DFI did so to ensure the soundness and stability of banking in Washington State,” DFI's Director of Banks Brad Williamson said. “This unfortunate event is the result of very poor lending practices during the past several years. While the current management team worked diligently to overcome problems with the bank’s loan portfolio — a combination of the downturn in the local real estate market and the overall economic situation combined to make it impossible for the institution to continue.”
Williamson reminds depositors that most deposits in Washington state chartered banks are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.
Kitsap Bank will assume all deposits of Westsound bank except brokered deposits, which the FDIC will pay. It is anticipated there will be no loss exposure to Westsound Bank depositors.
Throughout the weekend, depositors of Westsound Bank can access their funds by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.
As of March 31, 2009, Westsound Bank’s financial statements listed total assets of $335 million and total deposits of $304 million.
The closure of Westsound Bank is the second in Washington State this year. DFI closed Bank of Clark County January 16. Prior to 2009, the most recent bank closure in Washington State was the 1993 closure of Emerald City Bank of Seattle.
Westsound Bank customers seeking more information about the possession should visit www.dfi.wa.gov/banks/westsound.htm or www.fdic.gov.
The FDIC recently published a borrower’s guide to an FDIC insured bank failure at www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/borrowers/index.html.
For more information about deposit insurance for Washington banks and credit unions, visit www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/deposits.htm. For details about FDIC coverage limits and requirements, visit www.fdic.gov or call toll-free 1.877.ASK.FDIC.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) took possession of Bremerton’s Westsound Bank today, citing severe asset problems, significant losses and inadequate capital. Immediately upon taking possession, DFI appointed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receiver. Then the FDIC immediately entered into a purchase and assumption agreement with Kitsap Bank of Port Orchard, Wash.
The corporate office and the eight branches of Westsound Bank will reopen on Monday, May 11 with minimal disruption in services. Online services may not be available until Monday.
“It is regrettable to have to take such actions, but DFI did so to ensure the soundness and stability of banking in Washington State,” DFI's Director of Banks Brad Williamson said. “This unfortunate event is the result of very poor lending practices during the past several years. While the current management team worked diligently to overcome problems with the bank’s loan portfolio — a combination of the downturn in the local real estate market and the overall economic situation combined to make it impossible for the institution to continue.”
Williamson reminds depositors that most deposits in Washington state chartered banks are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000.
Kitsap Bank will assume all deposits of Westsound bank except brokered deposits, which the FDIC will pay. It is anticipated there will be no loss exposure to Westsound Bank depositors.
Throughout the weekend, depositors of Westsound Bank can access their funds by writing checks or using ATM or debit cards. Checks drawn on the bank will continue to be processed. Loan customers should continue to make their payments as usual.
As of March 31, 2009, Westsound Bank’s financial statements listed total assets of $335 million and total deposits of $304 million.
The closure of Westsound Bank is the second in Washington State this year. DFI closed Bank of Clark County January 16. Prior to 2009, the most recent bank closure in Washington State was the 1993 closure of Emerald City Bank of Seattle.
Westsound Bank customers seeking more information about the possession should visit www.dfi.wa.gov/banks/westsound.htm or www.fdic.gov.
The FDIC recently published a borrower’s guide to an FDIC insured bank failure at www.fdic.gov/bank/individual/failed/borrowers/index.html.
For more information about deposit insurance for Washington banks and credit unions, visit www.dfi.wa.gov/consumers/deposits.htm. For details about FDIC coverage limits and requirements, visit www.fdic.gov or call toll-free 1.877.ASK.FDIC.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Free teacher workshop at Fort Vancouver will include using artifacts--registration deadline is May 22
Monday August 3, 2009
8:00 – 4:30
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Vancouver National Historic Reserve
The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of the premier historical archaeological sites in the Pacific Northwest. Over 60 years of excavations have resulted in an exceptional museum collection of two million objects. Join National Park Service historians, curators, and archaeologists from the Northwest Cultural Resource Institute to study artifacts from the fort’s Village – once one of the largest multicultural communities in the West – and develop curriculum based on this unparalleled resource.
The day’s presentations and activities will guide you through:
Uncovering Village History
Understanding Archaeological Methods
Utilizing the Collection
Creating Curriculum Tied to Washington State CBAs
This program is free to classroom teachers. In addition to an outstanding day of scholarship and collaboration, registered teachers will receive:
Ø Priority placement on the 2009-2010 Fort Vancouver field study calendar
Ø A contribution toward bus rental for that trip
Ø Breakfast and lunch
Ø Professional development Clock Hours
Ø Handout materials
Ø The pride of designing curriculum to be used by teachers in our region and beyond!
Registration is extremely limited. To take advantage of this remarkable opportunity, complete the attached application and submit it by May 22. Please direct any questions about the program to Matt Karlsen (360 750 7505; matt.karlsen@esd112.org.)
Teaching The Village With Artifacts
Monday, August 3, 2009 • 8:00 – 4:30 • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Thank you for your interest in this very special program. Because our space is extremely limited, please take a moment to answer the following questions.
We’ll consider the answers to select a pool of teachers likely to work well together. Confirmation letters will be sent May 29.
Name: _________________________ □ Elementary School □ Middle School □ High School
School: ______________ District: ______________ Assignment/Grade:__________________
Home email: _________________________ Home phone: _____________________
Why would you like to participate in this program?
What is your experience (if any) teaching Pacific Northwest History?
What is your experience (if any) using artifacts and other primary sources in your classroom?
What is your experience (if any) working with Washington State’s Classroom Based Assessments?
What is your experience (if any) developing curriculum to be used by other teachers?
What is your familiarity with the story of Fort Vancouver and the Village?
What questions are you hoping this program will answer?
Please submit this application – and any questions or concerns – to Matt Karlsen by May 22, 2009
matt.karlsen@esd112.org – tel 360 750 7505 – fax 360 750 9142 – 2500 NE 65th Ave • Vancouver • 98661
8:00 – 4:30
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Vancouver National Historic Reserve
The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is one of the premier historical archaeological sites in the Pacific Northwest. Over 60 years of excavations have resulted in an exceptional museum collection of two million objects. Join National Park Service historians, curators, and archaeologists from the Northwest Cultural Resource Institute to study artifacts from the fort’s Village – once one of the largest multicultural communities in the West – and develop curriculum based on this unparalleled resource.
The day’s presentations and activities will guide you through:
Uncovering Village History
Understanding Archaeological Methods
Utilizing the Collection
Creating Curriculum Tied to Washington State CBAs
This program is free to classroom teachers. In addition to an outstanding day of scholarship and collaboration, registered teachers will receive:
Ø Priority placement on the 2009-2010 Fort Vancouver field study calendar
Ø A contribution toward bus rental for that trip
Ø Breakfast and lunch
Ø Professional development Clock Hours
Ø Handout materials
Ø The pride of designing curriculum to be used by teachers in our region and beyond!
Registration is extremely limited. To take advantage of this remarkable opportunity, complete the attached application and submit it by May 22. Please direct any questions about the program to Matt Karlsen (360 750 7505; matt.karlsen@esd112.org.)
Teaching The Village With Artifacts
Monday, August 3, 2009 • 8:00 – 4:30 • Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Thank you for your interest in this very special program. Because our space is extremely limited, please take a moment to answer the following questions.
We’ll consider the answers to select a pool of teachers likely to work well together. Confirmation letters will be sent May 29.
Name: _________________________ □ Elementary School □ Middle School □ High School
School: ______________ District: ______________ Assignment/Grade:__________________
Home email: _________________________ Home phone: _____________________
Why would you like to participate in this program?
What is your experience (if any) teaching Pacific Northwest History?
What is your experience (if any) using artifacts and other primary sources in your classroom?
What is your experience (if any) working with Washington State’s Classroom Based Assessments?
What is your experience (if any) developing curriculum to be used by other teachers?
What is your familiarity with the story of Fort Vancouver and the Village?
What questions are you hoping this program will answer?
Please submit this application – and any questions or concerns – to Matt Karlsen by May 22, 2009
matt.karlsen@esd112.org – tel 360 750 7505 – fax 360 750 9142 – 2500 NE 65th Ave • Vancouver • 98661
The Community Foundation Presents Five New $25,000 Grant Awards for Basic Needs at 25th Anniversary Annual Luncheon
WHO:
Community Foundation past and present board members, volunteers, community leaders, nonprofits and friends
WHAT:
The Community Foundation will celebrate its silver anniversary by awarding five new $25,000 grants to nonprofit organizations to serve Southwest Washington’s escalating needs for basic services at the Annual Luncheon. In addition, the Foundation will present the Philanthropists of the Year award to Jan and Steve Oliva, and the Friend of the Foundation award to Brot Bishop, Jr.
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Reception: 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Program: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Hilton Vancouver, Heritage Ballroom
301 West 6th Street, Vancouver, Wash.
WHY:
To recognize some of the many nonprofits, volunteers and leaders who make an impact on our community and remind us why they give.
CONTACT: Richard Melching, Community Foundation President
Telephone: 360.694.2550
Email: richard@cfsww.org
Community Foundation past and present board members, volunteers, community leaders, nonprofits and friends
WHAT:
The Community Foundation will celebrate its silver anniversary by awarding five new $25,000 grants to nonprofit organizations to serve Southwest Washington’s escalating needs for basic services at the Annual Luncheon. In addition, the Foundation will present the Philanthropists of the Year award to Jan and Steve Oliva, and the Friend of the Foundation award to Brot Bishop, Jr.
WHEN:
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Reception: 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.
Program: Noon to 1:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Hilton Vancouver, Heritage Ballroom
301 West 6th Street, Vancouver, Wash.
WHY:
To recognize some of the many nonprofits, volunteers and leaders who make an impact on our community and remind us why they give.
CONTACT: Richard Melching, Community Foundation President
Telephone: 360.694.2550
Email: richard@cfsww.org
Gov. Gregoire honors Washington state law enforcement officers
OLYMPIA – Gov. Chris Gregoire today paid tribute to six Washington State Law Enforcement Medal of Honor recipients at a ceremony conducted at the Washington State Law Enforcement/Peace Officers Memorial.
“Today I honor the Washington law enforcement officers who protect our state, along with those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our citizens,” Gregoire said. “These valiant men and women deserve our highest respect and praise for their commitment and dedication to serving the public.”
Two officers were honored posthumously: Skagit County Sheriff’s Deputy Anne Jackson and U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks. One officer was recognized for serious injury: Vancouver Police Officer Christopher LeBlanc. Three officers were recognized for meritorious service: Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies Scott Schanaker and Scott Holmes, and Vancouver Police Officer John Key.
“This recognition of our two officers who made the ultimate sacrifice also goes to their families,” Gregoire said. “Our hearts are with you.”
Since 1855, more than 280 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in Washington. In 1994, the state Legislature established the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, which is reserved for those police officers who have been killed in the line of duty or have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct.
The Washington State Patrol recognized recipients with a 21-gun salute.
“Today I honor the Washington law enforcement officers who protect our state, along with those who made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our citizens,” Gregoire said. “These valiant men and women deserve our highest respect and praise for their commitment and dedication to serving the public.”
Two officers were honored posthumously: Skagit County Sheriff’s Deputy Anne Jackson and U.S. Forest Service Officer Kristine Fairbanks. One officer was recognized for serious injury: Vancouver Police Officer Christopher LeBlanc. Three officers were recognized for meritorious service: Clark County Sheriff’s Deputies Scott Schanaker and Scott Holmes, and Vancouver Police Officer John Key.
“This recognition of our two officers who made the ultimate sacrifice also goes to their families,” Gregoire said. “Our hearts are with you.”
Since 1855, more than 280 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty in Washington. In 1994, the state Legislature established the Law Enforcement Medal of Honor, which is reserved for those police officers who have been killed in the line of duty or have distinguished themselves by exceptional meritorious conduct.
The Washington State Patrol recognized recipients with a 21-gun salute.
Finance directors can use public-private partnerships to reduce fixed costs
Starting with the building department
Local, state and federal governments are experiencing shortfalls in every major budget category. Many communities are looking at or have already made significant reductions in staff and services in hopes of riding out the storm. Privatization of services, or public-private partnerships, is proving to be a common and a viable short- and long-term solution to reduce costs while maintaining service.
Finance Directors can assume the role of finding and assessing privatization initiatives.
• A public-private partnership may make it easier for the Finance Director to determine the actual cost of a service.
• Public-private partnerships can reduce the financial expense and emotional stress of layoffs during slow economic times and over-hiring during good economic times.
- more -
Finance Directors Can Lead Charge
Page 2 of 3
There are many examples of public-private partnerships, including those for the building department function.
The recession has impacted the traditional building department structure due to decreasing property values, lack of credit availability, fee schedules based on previous levels and the cyclical nature of construction. Traditionally a revenue generating or self-supporting department, it has become more challenging to contain the fixed operating costs and at the same time predict the amount of revenues that should offset those expenses.
Privatizing all or part of the building department is an effective solution. A public-private partnership allows for long-term resilience and flexibility to adapt to the changing conditions. Because it is revenue-driven outsourcing, it is a no-risk option that allows governments to control resources and save money.
SAFEbuilt is one such public-private partner that provides full-service building department services as well as supplemental plan review, project support and building code inspections for public agencies.
SAFEbuilt offers local governments benefits including:
• Full-support or supplemental building department services help keep a focus on service levels and public safety during slow and busy times
• Services are paid for from permit fees, so costs never exceed revenues
• A constant and consistent outside labor pool eliminates emotional and financial costs of hiring and firing to match economic conditions
• A depth of resources nationwide guarantees mobile teams for special or unpredictable short-term projects, including natural disasters
- more -
Finance Directors Can Lead Charge
Page 3 of 3
SAFEbuilt provides contract building department services for nearly 100 public agencies in Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida.
In 2008, SAFEbuilt supported over $1.5 billion in residential and commercial building valuations, performed 5,125 plan reviews and approximately 85,000 inspections.
White Papers Available at www.SAFEbuilt.com:
1. Recession Options for Finance Directors of Public Agencies – It’s not business as usual for the building department
2. Building Safety during Economic Downturns – A Fiscal Rationale for Continued Code Enforcement
3. Building Departments Face Budget Crisis: Contract Providers Offer a Solution
Local, state and federal governments are experiencing shortfalls in every major budget category. Many communities are looking at or have already made significant reductions in staff and services in hopes of riding out the storm. Privatization of services, or public-private partnerships, is proving to be a common and a viable short- and long-term solution to reduce costs while maintaining service.
Finance Directors can assume the role of finding and assessing privatization initiatives.
• A public-private partnership may make it easier for the Finance Director to determine the actual cost of a service.
• Public-private partnerships can reduce the financial expense and emotional stress of layoffs during slow economic times and over-hiring during good economic times.
- more -
Finance Directors Can Lead Charge
Page 2 of 3
There are many examples of public-private partnerships, including those for the building department function.
The recession has impacted the traditional building department structure due to decreasing property values, lack of credit availability, fee schedules based on previous levels and the cyclical nature of construction. Traditionally a revenue generating or self-supporting department, it has become more challenging to contain the fixed operating costs and at the same time predict the amount of revenues that should offset those expenses.
Privatizing all or part of the building department is an effective solution. A public-private partnership allows for long-term resilience and flexibility to adapt to the changing conditions. Because it is revenue-driven outsourcing, it is a no-risk option that allows governments to control resources and save money.
SAFEbuilt is one such public-private partner that provides full-service building department services as well as supplemental plan review, project support and building code inspections for public agencies.
SAFEbuilt offers local governments benefits including:
• Full-support or supplemental building department services help keep a focus on service levels and public safety during slow and busy times
• Services are paid for from permit fees, so costs never exceed revenues
• A constant and consistent outside labor pool eliminates emotional and financial costs of hiring and firing to match economic conditions
• A depth of resources nationwide guarantees mobile teams for special or unpredictable short-term projects, including natural disasters
- more -
Finance Directors Can Lead Charge
Page 3 of 3
SAFEbuilt provides contract building department services for nearly 100 public agencies in Washington, Colorado, Georgia, Louisiana and Florida.
In 2008, SAFEbuilt supported over $1.5 billion in residential and commercial building valuations, performed 5,125 plan reviews and approximately 85,000 inspections.
White Papers Available at www.SAFEbuilt.com:
1. Recession Options for Finance Directors of Public Agencies – It’s not business as usual for the building department
2. Building Safety during Economic Downturns – A Fiscal Rationale for Continued Code Enforcement
3. Building Departments Face Budget Crisis: Contract Providers Offer a Solution
Monday, May 4, 2009
DNR releases first report of compliance with forest practices rules on state and private forestlands
Report finds most comply with rules, still room for improvement
OLYMPIA – Random checks summarized in a new report from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicate that private industrial forestland owners are in compliance with state logging and other forest practices rules most of the time, but gaps continue to occur. Harvesting trees within no-harvest zones and leaving too few trees near fish-bearing streams were among the most common causes of noncompliance with state forest practices rules, according to the new report.
During the two-year period examined (2006-2007), compliance with forest practices rules was achieved 87 percent of the time for forest road activities (such as construction, improvement, or decommissioning of roads). It was achieved 75 percent of the time for other forest work (such as logging and adhering to required buffer zones) adjacent to streams. Compliance monitoring teams observed that when riparian infractions occurred, they often were the result of harvesting trees within prescribed inner or outer buffer zones.
“The collaborative efforts of these scientists, experts, and landowners are giving us a better picture of the potential for resource damage when forest practices infractions occur,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Not all infractions have the same impact on public resources, but we need to move toward full compliance.”
During the compliance surveys, which were conducted on a random basis across the state, landowners, forest scientists, and foresters sometimes had difficulty understanding the precise meaning or exact requirements of certain forest practices rules. For example, compliance monitoring teams sometimes needed an entire day just to measure a riparian buffer zone – the area of trees around various types of streams that loggers with approved forest practices applications are required to leave uncut as buffer zones. In fact, about 10 percent of the compliance inspections found loggers had left more trees around streams and other riparian areas than the rules required.
The report, Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Summary Report, 2006-2007, summarizes two-years of random assessments of compliance with state forest practices rules. The monitoring was conducted by more than 90 professional foresters, geologists and biologists from DNR, the Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, several tribes and private natural resources consultants in survey teams of four or five members. Landowners were invited to attend the assessments.
The study sample represented 174 randomly selected approved forest practices applications (FPAs). Landowners complete FPAs and submit them to DNR to convey their intent to harvest timber, build roads or other activities on non-federally owned forestland in Washington state. An application may include more than one type of activity. The FPAs studied included 289 riparian and 234 road activities related to forest work.
In seven cases, the monitoring teams found the noncompliance at a site was serious enough to refer it to a DNR region office for possible enforcement consideration.
The Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Summary Report is available on the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/fp_06_07_compliance_monitoring.pdf
Monitoring is collaborative effort
The monitoring program is gathering information to strengthen implementation of the Forest Practices rules. The rules are intended to improve and protect riparian habitat on non-federal forestlands in Washington and are part of the state’s salmon recovery strategy. The monitoring information was not intended for specific enforcement actions, but rather to point out areas of need and to make improvements in forest practices education, application review and processing of applications.
DNR manages and protects natural resources
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR manages more than 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, conservation, and aquatic lands. DNR also:
§ Administers Forest Practices rules and surface mine reclamation on state and private lands.
§ Gives technical assistance for forestry and mining.
§ Provides wildfire protection for 12.7 million acres of private and state-owned forestlands.
Goldmark is Washington’s 13th Commissioner of Public Lands since statehood in 1889 and the first commissioner from Eastern Washington.
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
OLYMPIA – Random checks summarized in a new report from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicate that private industrial forestland owners are in compliance with state logging and other forest practices rules most of the time, but gaps continue to occur. Harvesting trees within no-harvest zones and leaving too few trees near fish-bearing streams were among the most common causes of noncompliance with state forest practices rules, according to the new report.
During the two-year period examined (2006-2007), compliance with forest practices rules was achieved 87 percent of the time for forest road activities (such as construction, improvement, or decommissioning of roads). It was achieved 75 percent of the time for other forest work (such as logging and adhering to required buffer zones) adjacent to streams. Compliance monitoring teams observed that when riparian infractions occurred, they often were the result of harvesting trees within prescribed inner or outer buffer zones.
“The collaborative efforts of these scientists, experts, and landowners are giving us a better picture of the potential for resource damage when forest practices infractions occur,” said Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark. “Not all infractions have the same impact on public resources, but we need to move toward full compliance.”
During the compliance surveys, which were conducted on a random basis across the state, landowners, forest scientists, and foresters sometimes had difficulty understanding the precise meaning or exact requirements of certain forest practices rules. For example, compliance monitoring teams sometimes needed an entire day just to measure a riparian buffer zone – the area of trees around various types of streams that loggers with approved forest practices applications are required to leave uncut as buffer zones. In fact, about 10 percent of the compliance inspections found loggers had left more trees around streams and other riparian areas than the rules required.
The report, Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Summary Report, 2006-2007, summarizes two-years of random assessments of compliance with state forest practices rules. The monitoring was conducted by more than 90 professional foresters, geologists and biologists from DNR, the Department of Ecology, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, several tribes and private natural resources consultants in survey teams of four or five members. Landowners were invited to attend the assessments.
The study sample represented 174 randomly selected approved forest practices applications (FPAs). Landowners complete FPAs and submit them to DNR to convey their intent to harvest timber, build roads or other activities on non-federally owned forestland in Washington state. An application may include more than one type of activity. The FPAs studied included 289 riparian and 234 road activities related to forest work.
In seven cases, the monitoring teams found the noncompliance at a site was serious enough to refer it to a DNR region office for possible enforcement consideration.
The Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Summary Report is available on the DNR website at: http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/fp_06_07_compliance_monitoring.pdf
Monitoring is collaborative effort
The monitoring program is gathering information to strengthen implementation of the Forest Practices rules. The rules are intended to improve and protect riparian habitat on non-federal forestlands in Washington and are part of the state’s salmon recovery strategy. The monitoring information was not intended for specific enforcement actions, but rather to point out areas of need and to make improvements in forest practices education, application review and processing of applications.
DNR manages and protects natural resources
Administered by Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark, DNR manages more than 5.6 million acres of state-owned forest, range, commercial, agricultural, conservation, and aquatic lands. DNR also:
§ Administers Forest Practices rules and surface mine reclamation on state and private lands.
§ Gives technical assistance for forestry and mining.
§ Provides wildfire protection for 12.7 million acres of private and state-owned forestlands.
Goldmark is Washington’s 13th Commissioner of Public Lands since statehood in 1889 and the first commissioner from Eastern Washington.
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
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