March 2022 Newsletter

March 11, 2022

March 2022 Newsletter

Winter, Hurricane Ridge, Photo by Peter Guerrero

Meet and Greet Michelle Nitardy, Washington Sierra Club Chapter's New Chair

March 17th from 6 to 7 pm

RSVP

Join the conversation with the new Washington State Sierra Club Chapter chair, Michelle Nitardy. She's a dynamic leader and deeply in love with nature -- she understands how this connection helps guide our work. We'll be sponsoring this event with our colleagues across the "pond" in Snohomish and Island Counties. Meet other Washington State Sierra Club members and find out what we can do to make a difference this year. We hope to see you!

RSVP HERE

Legislative Victory! Getting Kids Outdoors to Save the Environment!

The Washington state legislature, with the support of Senator Van De Wege and Representatives Tharinger and Chapman, passed The Outdoor School for All Bill (HB 2078) to provide funding for outdoor school experiences for every kid in the state! The bill explains that: "On average, today's kids spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen, and less than 10 minutes a day doing activities outdoors. For too many kids, access to the outdoors is determined by race, income, ability, and zip code. All children deserve equitable access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow. Current access to the outdoors is inequitable mostly due to funding and administrative constraints. Send a thank you note to our legislators.

Thank Our Representatives

Thank Senator Van De Wege

Legislative Victory! Keeping Organic Waste from Landfills

Landfills are a significant source of emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Among other economic and environmental benefits, the diversion of organic materials (think potatoe peelings, pizza boxes and spoiled foods) to productive uses will reduce methane emissions. Recently passed HB 1799 will reduce methane emissions from landfills by: "Requiring some local governments to separate organic material collection services within their jurisdictions in order to increase volumes of organic materials collected and delivered to composting and other organic material management facilities." It's what mother nature intended all along!

It's Time to Reduce the Maintenance and Operations Backlog in Our Parks!

From the Washington Trails Association (WTA): Washington is a great place to work, live and play, and our state parks and recreation lands provide some of the best opportunities in the nation to access the outdoors. More than 90% of Washingtonians recreate outside, and with the state’s population projected to grow by 2 million people by 2040, we must be prepared to meet current and future needs.

Despite growing use of state lands, the maintenance backlog has continued to increase while funding has remained static. State agencies estimate that the cost of the current backlog on state lands is $50 million to $75 million annually. With more people getting outside, the impacts are noticeable – campgrounds, trails, roads, toilets and other facilities are in critical need of repairs and upgrades. The lack of resources needed to address the increased use is leading to damaged restrooms, overflowing trash cans, damaged trails and a disappointing and confusing visitor experience.

This is why we need legislative action to reduce the backlog. This year, the Washington Trails Association (WTA), legislative champions and other partners asked the legislature to provide $15 million dollars in funding to the three agencies – Washington State Parks, Washington Department of Natural Resources and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife – to help reduce the maintenance backlog on state parks and lands. This request takes a first step in addressing the maintenance shortfall by directing $5 million to each of the three agencies.

Find out how you can become an advocate for our public lands by visiting WTA's advocacy page:

Become an Advocate

Let us know how you liked our newsletter and any suggestions you may have. Also, let us know if you want to volunteer--we've got plenty to keep you busy!

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The North Olympic Group's website contains a blog that's updated to reflect current environmental issues and events. Members are encouraged to periodically check it out.

North Olympic Group Website

March 2022 Newsletter