Congressional Rep. Joins Tree Farm Field Day!
Steve is an advocacy leader for Tree Farmers in Washington, Vice-President for the Washington Farm Forestry Association, and Executive Director of the Washington Family Forest Foundation. Steve is also a proud partner of the 1,150 acre Cowlitz Ridge Tree Farm in Lewis County, Washington.
This year’s Washington State Tree Farmers of the Year enjoyed a wildly successful Field Day, celebrating their noteworthy and well-deserved recognition! Ninety-two state Tree Farmers were joined by Representative Jamie Herrara-Beutler on July 16th, for a day of fun, camaraderie, education, and an old-fashioned stump speech.
Bryon and Donna Loucks, 2011 Washington State Tree Farmers, hosted a Field Day on their 207 acre Tree Farm just west of Chehalis, Washington. Bryon and Donna have been members of ATFS for 30 years and take pride in the fact that they were able to buy, manage, and eventually expand their own Tree Farm. As former Weyerhaeuser employees, Bryon and Donna are outstanding stewards of their land, and their Tree Farm really seems to make their family complete.
Most significantly, Congresswoman Jamie Herrara-Beutler participated in this year’s Field Day by giving an old-fashioned stump speech on important policy issues that concern and affect family forest owners.
In particular, Herrara-Beutler focused on the recent 9th Circuit Court ruling which now declares new and existing forest roads as “point” sources of pollution. This ruling requires states in the 9th Circuit (AK, OR, WA, ID, MT, CA, AR and NV) to apply for Clean Water Act (CWA) permits to build and maintain new and existing forest roads. This is unnecessary regulation for Tree Farmers who are already good stewards of their land and follow stringent standards for ATFS certification.
Representative Herrara-Beutler recently introduced the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act (H.R. 2541), which would exempt family forest owners from these Clean Water Act burdens. This is great news for Washington Tree Farmers—all of their hard work advocating for important policy issues has paid off!
In addition to focusing on the CWA, Rep. Herrara-Beutler also mentioned her support for responsible budget balancing—ensuring that the most effective forest conservation programs aren’t gutted in upcoming legislation.
Several state legislators, county commissioners, and local forestry association chapters also attended the event.
Thanks to the Washington Farm Forestry Association for sponsoring the event and supporting the American Tree Farm System and all of Washington’s wonderful Tree Farmers!
Photo: Rep. Herrera-Beutler at field day event, Credit: Steve Stinson
