2006 Issue #6 Bird's Eye View Newsletter Washington Audubon Society

8/8/2019 2006 Issue #6 Bird's Eye View Newsletter Washington Audubon Society

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2006 Legislative Newsletter March 24, 2

Olympia Thursday, March 23,

2006, Audubon has scoredadditional protections forWashingtons perilously decliningNorthern Spotted Owl populationand other bird species reliant on old

forests and riparian habitat. Thislandmark settlement is critical toprotecting habitat for most ofWashingtons vulnerable birdspecies while enabling innovativeforestry and balancing revenues forstate trust land beneficiaries saidAudubon Executive Director, NinaCarter. This is indeed a win-win.

Birds Eye View(archived at wa.

audubon.org) andcompare them tothe 2006s andone thing is veryclear. Audubon ismore focused andthis has helped uscommunicate priorities to legislatorally activists and concentrate staffresources. The result: successfulpassage of our priorities!

Common ground approaches topublic policy, in otherwise politicacontentious times, result insustainable policies supported bydiverse stakeholders. TheEnvironmental Education Study (H2910) and Creating the InvasiveSpecies Council (SB 5385) areperfect examples of Audubons rol

(Continued on page 6.)

In fact, the settlement guarantees nnet-loss of Spotted Owl Habitat onstate lands through 2014.

In October 2004, Audubon joined Washington Environmental Counc

(Continued on page 6.)

Audubon Washingtonbelieves in balance and

responsibility, findingcommon ground,andinvolving all citizens in

protecting the natural worldand our quality of life.

IN THIS ISSUE:

Breaking NewsPage 1

Policy Directors CornerPage 1

Audubon PrioritiesPage 2-3

Priorities for a Healthy WAPage 4-5

Budget PrioritiesPage 5

Other Issues: I-933, TheDevelopers InitiativePage 6

Chapter SpotlightPage 7

Hot Tips for AdvocacyPage 7

BREAKING NEWSState Forest SettlementSaves Spotted OwlHabitat

Audubons Approach

Pays OffHeath Packard, Policy Director

As we wrap up a productivelegislative session, the Audubonfamily can chalk our successes upto four key elements: focus,common ground, chapter activistsand competent staff.

You can not realize a vision withoutfocus. Flip through back-issues of

Audubon and other stakeholders celebrate as Gover

Gregoire signs SB 5385 Creating the Invasive Spe

Council.

Audubon, Environmental Education Association of

Washington and Sierra Club surround Governor

Gregoire as she signs a study bill for environmental

education, HB 2910


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March 24, 2006 Page 2

Our Success:Audubon and the CascadeLand Conservancy securedfunding for twocounties to host specific voluntary, market-driven projects that demonstrate how atransfer of development rights program canbe used to conserve natural resource andhabitat lands.

The final budget sent to GovernorGregoire includes $250,000 for two demonstrationprojects.

Background: More than 130 of the State's 317 birdspecies reside in forests. Of 93 vulnerable bird species inWashington, most rely on our forests and associatedhabitats.

Forest conversion, fragmentation, and degraded forest

health are the leading causes of forest habitat loss/degradation. Between 1970 and 1992 over 2 million acof forests were lost to permanent conversion.

Washington's private forestlands account for virtually aconversions and 76% of our annual timber harvests.Meanwhile, Washington's bird populations continue todecline despite 30 years of increasing state regulations

focused on water quality for state and private lands.

To stabilize Washington's Forest Bird Populations, we

must curb the loss of habitat on State and private lands

Our Success: Audubon

championed SHB 2958,Penalizing persons who

violate rules concerning the

use of nontoxic shot. TheGovernor signed this bill

into law on March 15th!

Background: Of the44,000+ waterfowl hunting licenses issued each year, WADept. of Fish and Wildlife estimates 8% repeat offendernoncompliance rate. This equates to nearly 3,500 huntersannually who are using toxic lead shot over wetlands.

A substantial proportion of the global populationaround16,000 birdsspends the winter in the Puget Soundlowlands.

In NW Washington/British Columbia since 1999, at lea

1,200 Trumpeter Swans have died of lead poisoning fringestion of lead shotgun pellets when while foraging fgrit to aid digestion. A single pellet can kill a full-growswan in 30 days or less.

Using lead shot for waterfowl hunting in the U.S. has billegal since 1991. State/Federal agencies and TheTrumpeter Swan Society are researching leadcontamination to instruct future clean up.

Legislative Hotline: 800-562-6000

Thank your Legislators forsupporting SHB 2958!

Editors Note: For questions, comments, or concerns with this newsletter please contact

Audubon Washingtons Policy Office at 360-786-8020 ext. 201 or email [email protected].


Thank your legislators for supportingRepresentative Sullivans TDR proviso

request!

Audubons 2006 Legislative PrioritiesCONSERVE WASHINGTONS FORESTSFUNDED!

Audubons 2006 Legislative PrioritiesREDUCE TOXIC LEAD SHOTPASSED!

Pileated Woodpecker

Audubon and other stakeholders

celebrate as Gov. Gregoire signs 2958.


3/8

Our Success: The legislature sent a budget to GovernorGregoire that includes full funding for the Olympic Loopof the Great Washington State Birding Trail.

Background: Economic incentives to conserve wildlifecan help support the long-term financial health ofWashington. How? Wildlife equals nature-tourism dollars.

Research shows that 71 million Americans watch wildlife;46 million say theyre bird watchers.

Over the past decade, bird watching has become thecountrys fastest growing form of outdoor recreation.Wildlife tourism in Washington ranks seventh in thenation with prospects for growth enhanced by 2003legislation to promote sustainable rural economicdevelopment through maintaining wildlife diversity. In2005 Audubon Washington, CTED, WDFW and StateParks agreed to develop and market wildlife watching in

Washington.

In many rural communities, non-profitorganizations and private landownerscooperatively organize wildlifewatchingfestivals, which generate tourist dollars.These

festivals and The Great Washington StateBirding Trail support Washingtons ruraleconomies.

Current Activity: Audubon supports SSB 6175, ReviseSurface Mine Act to sustain this essential program. Thisbill has been sent to Governor Gregoires desk. We areawaiting her signature. The mining industry has issuedsome concerns at the 11th hour after supporting thispolicy all alongwe fully expect the governor to sign the

bill.

Background: Because of obsolete fee structures,Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) mining programis about to go bankrupt. Renewing enabling legislationand providing interim funding is critical to ensureappropriate reclamation of gravel mines.

Sand and gravel are necessary for our roads, homes andoffice buildings. Demand for such minerals grows withWashington's burgeoning population.

Mining for sand andgravel occurs in open-pitsurface mines that due toWashington's geologicalhistory are located in oradjacent to river, stream,

riparian and wetlandhabitats. How these minesare "reclaimed," returnedto habitat or other subsequent uses, can further impact tbirds and wildlife. If done well, new habitat can becreated.



Ask Governor Gregiore tosign SSB 6175!


Thank your legislators for funding the GreaWashington State Birding TrailOlympic

Peninsula Loop!

Audubons 2006 Legislative PrioritiesPROMOTE WATCHABLE WILDLIFEFUNDED!

Audubons 2006 Legislative PrioritiesENSURE SURFACE MINING RECLAMATIONPASSED!


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Our Success: Audubon supportedHB 1458 to improve septic system

management in marine areas. TheGovernor signed this bill into law onMarch 9th!

Background: Nutrient loading from failing septics is

causing low dissolved oxygen and ecosystem crashes thataffect birds and wildlife. We must Clean Up Puget Soundand reverse the loss of critical habitats for birds andwildlife. More than 100 species of birds inhabit PugetSound; 42 of these are considered vulnerable, and 29 arelisted as Species of Greatest Conservation Need inWashingtons Comprehensive Wildlife ConservationStrategy.

Species like the western grebes suffer a 95% population-decline an indicator of the health of Puget Sound. One-

third of our shorelines have been damaged, with one-thof our eelgrass meadows and 75% of watershed wetlandestroyed. Toxic chemicals pour into the sound and HoCanal and other inlets are suffering from insufficientoxygen to support the food chain.

Governor Gregoires Puget Sound Initiative aims to

cleaning up Puget Sound by 2020. Audubon supports h$42 million supplemental budget proposal for PugetSound clean-up.

Our Success: Audubon wassuccessful in ensuring no rollbacks toGrowth Management Act and otherland use protections. One bill thatpassed that we supported, and helpedto amend, addressed AgriculturalAccessory Uses.

Agricultural Accessory Uses can beimportant to keep working farmseconomically viable in our rural andsuburban communities.

Now we are gearing up to provide leadership in defeatingI-933, the Developers Loophole Initiative which willrequire local governments to pay for or waive land useprotections when a developer or land owner wants to doexercise reckless development that will negatively impact

their neighbors or wildlife habitat.

Background: Washington's burgeoning populationgrowth (approx. 100,000 residents/year) requires newroads, septic systems, housing, office buildings, factoriretail centers and parking lots. The Growth ManagemeAct helps local governments develop comprehensive plto manage urban growth, minimize sprawl and protectcitizen from landslides. They plans also protect birds,

wildlife and habitat from uncontrolled urban and suburbsprawl.


Thank your legislators for supporting HB 1458

Thank your legislators for supporting the more tha$42 million for Puget Sound clean up!


Thank your legislators for defending LanUse Protections and ask them to vote

NO on I-933!

Priorities for a Healthy WashingtonCLEAN UP PUGET SOUNDPASSED!

Priorities for a Healthy WashingtonDEFEND LAND USE PROTECTIONSDEFENDED FOR NOW! UNDER ATTACH BY I-933!

Western Grebe


5/8

The legislature sent a budget to GovernorGregoire that includes funding for manygreat programs that support birds, wildlife,habitat, education, and nature tourism.

Highlights supported by Audubon include:(Reported in thousands of dollars)

Operating and CapitalPuget Sound Clean Up $49,896

Operating

Birding Trails (CTED) $96Tranfer of Development Rights (CTED) $250Spartina Control (DOA) $50Wildlife Habitat Assest (WDFW to DNR) $397Invasive Species Council $169Surface Mining fees SB 6175 (DNR) $976Forest Health (SB 5179) $35

Small Forestland mgt plans (DOE) $250

SPI Environmental Education Grants $150SPI Environmental Education Study (2910) $15

Capital

Sec 6 federal Grants (WDFW) $3,300DNR/WDFW land Exchange (WDFW) $500Skookumchuck Shrub Steepe (WDFW) $800Old Growth Timber Inventory (DNR) $100

Natural Heritage Program (DNR) $200IslandWood Learning Center (SBE) $500


Our Success: Supported HB 148

Rep. Hunter.

DIED!

The Bromine industry which emplno one in WA state hired 12 highpowered lobbyist to defeat this billThe community was unable to pass

the proposed legislation surroundintoxic flame retardants, but it was vclose and came down to one Senatnot pulling the bill for a vote. Staytuned next year!

Our Success: Supported SSB 6428,

Sen. Pridemore.

PASSED!

SSB 6428 passed the Senate on astrong bi-partisan vote of 38-11 onMonday, March 6th. The House hadrecently approved the same bill with a

vote of 69-29. This bill will providesafe, free, and convenient recyclingfor the millions of outdatedcomputers, monitors and TVs piling

Our Success: Supported SB 6508,

Sen. Rasmussen.

PASSED!

The Renewable Fuels Standard bill(SB6508) passed the House earlier insession with a strong, bipartisan vote,and the Senate on a somewhat closer

29-19 vote (with 1 absent) on March6th. This proposal would reduceWashingtons dependence on fossilfuels and provide a new market forWashington crops. This legislationwill grow a new biofuels economy byincluding a minimum percentage ofbiofuels in the statewide fuel mix.

For more informationabout each priority visit:

www.environmentalpriorities.org

Priorities for a Healthy WashingtonPromote Renewable Fuels Launch Electronics Waste Recycling Eliminate Toxic Flame Retardan

Audubons 2006 Supplemental Budget PrioritiesFUNDED!


Thanks your legislators for fundingthese important budget items!


6/8


As reported in a previous issue of Birds Eye View,and as many of you know, special interests inWashington are working to create loopholes forirresponsible developers through an over-reachingDevelopers' Initiative, I-933.

Washington has reasonable protections that make our

neighborhoods healthier, our streets safer, ensure goodobs, and protect our quality of life.

And what if these protections were taken away? Ahuge mall could be built in your neighborhood and youcouldnt do anything about it. The government wouldhave no ability to protect you from flooding,

landslides, or from contaminateddrinking water, and worse.

In Oregon, a similar initiative,Measure 37 has resulted in nearly3,000 claims. Now that Measure 37has become law, Oregon is waiving

land-use restrictions for virtually allclaims because it doesn't have themoney to pay these claims. AndOregon will spend more than $160million just to administer theclaims.

To get involved visit http://www.protectcommunities.org or call(206) 323-0520.

Other Issues - Update on I-933, The Developers Loophole Initiative

State Forest Settlement Saves SpottedOwl Habitat contd

and others in a lawsuit against the Commissioner of PublicLands. The suit focused on the Board of NaturalResources 10-year Sustainable Harvest Calculation(SHC) for state forest lands that failed to comply with theState Environmental Policy Act.

Judge Armstrong (King County Superior Court) issued anopinion in October 2005 finding that the SHC wasinadequate as to impacts on Northern Spotted Owl,riparian management and the alternatives analyzed.

Shortly thereafter the plaintiffs approached the defendantsoffering to negotiate a settlement. Recognizing that asettlement could be the best scenario for all involved, weinitiated a five-month negotiation. Audubon wasinstrumental in moving the discussions forward anddeveloping plans for protecting owl and riparian habitat.Other key elements include: enhancement and restorationof spotted owl habitat on state lands testing innovativesilvacultural practices through demonstration projects,and; commitments by all parties to improvedcommunications and dispute resolution in the future.

Audubons Approach Pays Off contd

in this approach.

Chapter activists are the lifeblood of Audubon inWashington. This Friday chapter conservation leaderand staff will debrief session, identify possible 2007priorities and work on campaign plans to defeat the

Developers Loophole Initiative, I-933. AudubonWashington was started by chapters 25 years ago forrepresentation in Olympia--a mainstay of Audubonsprograms today.

Competent staffare critical to our successlets givcollective hand to all those who helped move theAudubon agenda forward! Special thanks to chapterorganizer (and BEV editor!) Lisa Remlinger, policyconsultant Miguel Perez-Gibson, science director TimCullinan, birding trail coordinator Christi Norman,

executive director Nina Carter and all the rest of ourAudubon Washington team!


7/8


It is very important to always bebuilding relationships withlegislators. Often times the easiestway to do this is in the interim,when they are back at their districtoffices and have more time to spend

talking with constituents.

Possible activities include:

Invite them to a chapter meeting

Plan an informal coffee

Make an appointment to visit them in

their district office

Interview them for a chapter newsletter

Invite them to your local wildlife festival

Take them birding

Legislators know a little bit about a lot of issues andif we are not actively building relationships and

educating them on what is important to birds,wildlife, and their habitat, they may never know.

North Central Washington Audubon Society is asmall to medium sized chapter that covers theterritory from Wenatchee up to Okanogan, to the

Hot Tips for Advocacy -What you can do now thatsession is overLisa Remlinger, Field Coordinator

Canadian border. The chapter has been involved with manconservation issues including working on the Entiat Riverand Wenatchee River Watershed Plans. As a result, thePlans have a strong conservation foundation. The EntiatRiver Watershed Plan was even dedicated to the lateNCWAS member Marvin Hoover. They are also working prevent a hatchery development in the pristine White Rive(a tributary of the Wenatchee), in partnership with other loenvironmental groups and residents.

In cooperation with environmental groups from throughou

Washington State, they have been busy watchdogging acommenting on the development of the new ForestManagement Plans for the Colville, Okanogan andWenatchee National Forests. This is extremely importanttheir membership since 3 of their 4 counties arepredominantly National Forest Land.

Another importantdevelopment for the chapter isBarn Beach Reserve, the areain Leavenworth that will

become an Audubon Center,the Upper Wenatchee ValleyMuseum, and a center forIcicle Arts. As formerNCWAS president MarkOswood put it, It is like a 12year old waking up to discover that Disney has put a newtheme park in our back yard!

Their greatest success as a Chapter could possibly be theirparticipation in the creation of the Leavenworth Spring Bi

Fest. This festival is a collaboration of people and groupsfrom throughout their area, and has become a favorite forpeople from Washington, other states, and even othercountries (Canada, Mexico, California).

Overall the chapter is very involved with many importantissues and should be proud of all they have accomplished.When Jon Soest, the chapters conservation chair was askehow he stays motivated, he stated, A couple of days ago,driving to ANOTHER meeting, I looked up at fresh snowfalling in the Icicle River Canyon and thought How can

NOT do everything I can to protect this beautiful place?

Barn Beach Reserve

Chapter SpotlightNorth Central Washington Audubon is hard atwork!


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Audubon Washington is a partnership of the Washington state office of theNational Audubon Society and Washington's 26 independent Audubon Chapters.

Audubon Washington Policy Team:

1063 Capitol Way S; Ste 208Olympia, WA 98501(360) 786-8020

Mission of the National Audubon Society

To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing onbirds, other wildlife and their habitats for the benefit ofhumanity and the earths biological diversity.


Admiralty Audubon

Black Hills Audubon

Blue Mt. Audubon

Central Basin Audubon

Discovery Coast Audubon

East Lake Washington Audubon

Grays Harbor Audubon

Kitsap Audubon

Kittitas Audubon

Lower Columbia Basin Audubon

North Cascades Audubon

North Central Washington Audubon

Olympic Peninsula Audubon

Palouse Audubon

Pilchuck Audubon

Rainier Audubon

San Juan Islands Audubon

Seattle Audubon

Skagit Audubon

Spokane Audubon

Tahoma Audubon

Vancouver Audubon

Vashon-Maury Isle Audubon

Whidbey Audubon

Willapa Hills Audubon

Yakima Valley Audubon

Heath PackardPolicy Director(360) 786-8020 Ext [email protected]

Lisa RemlingerField Coordinator(360) 786-8020 Ext [email protected]

Miguel Perez-GibsonPolicy Consultant(360) [email protected]

Share BEV with your friends and legislators by directing them to:wa.audubon.org/conservationpolicy_BirdsEyeViewNewsletter.html

Or sign-up for a free electronic version of BEV at:www.capitolconnect.com/audubon/myregistration.asp

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2006 Issue #6 Bird's Eye View Newsletter Washington Audubon Society