2017-04-21 Meeting with Bob WeidnerMeeting with Bob Weidner
April 21, 2017
1:30 p.m.
Attendees: Commissioner Stamper, Commissioner Fund, Commissioner Jackson, Commissioner Raines
(via telephone), Bob Weidner
Recorder: Rachel Hunt and Rieva Lester
The meeting began with discussion of the reintroduction of the grizzly bear to Mt. Rainier National Park.
Commissioner Raines (Grays Harbor County) joined by phone at 1:37 p.m.
Bob began the conversation by giving an update on Secure Rural Schools funding at the federal
government level.
Commissioner Raines asked if Representative Herrera-Beutler is supportive. Bob replied that she is
supportive.
Discussion ensued on the management of federal forests in Western Washington currently.
Bob added information on current federal statutes in regards management of federal timber.
Commissioner Raines asked if the Parks Service is included in the laws they are discussing. Bob replied
all the federal agencies are included.
Commissioner Raines and Stamper discussed timber projections.
Bob discussed how the Good Neighbor Authority is working in the state of Wisconsin.
Rachel Hunt left and Rieva Lester joined the meeting at 2:13 p.m.
Commissioner Raines said there needs to be pressure to allow for harvesting – for thinning if nothing
else.
Bob discussed the need for a coordinated effort to revise the Northwest Forest Plan, raising the targets.
He said he met with Sen. Mike Lee of Utah recently to address future needs.
Bob asked Commissioner Raines to watch for Monday’s 3 p.m. hearing in Skagit Valley (discussions will
begin at 11 a.m.). Federal agencies will be the counties’ guests.
He said there will be a hearing in the Senate in May on forest management, PILT, and Secure Rural
Schools.
Commissioner Raines left the meeting at 2:28 p.m.
Paulette Young joined the meeting by phone at 2:29 p.m.
The group discussed a pending tort claim.
The commissioners agreed to allow Paulette to settle it within her settlement authority.
Paulette and Commissioner Jackson left the meeting at 2:34 p.m.
The group discussed the political atmosphere in Washington, D.C.
The group discussed the need for a united front regarding timber harvests.
The group discussed the Ascot mine proposal and the need to meet with Ascot reps to urge them lobby
at the state and federal levels.
Commissioner Stamper said he would like to have Bob visit again – possibly in July – and to take him on
a tour of the Gifford Pinchot.
The group discussed the history of mining in the Mount St. Helens area.
Meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m.