Washington Wilderness Coalition

New Conservation Voices

Working Together for Wilderness

By Gregg Bafundo, Washington Chair of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers

February 2008

Hunting is in my blood and my past. It is what I do to become human again. It is what I do to return to my animal self. In this harried time of war, recession, destruction of our natural resources it’s even more important for me to get out into the “woods” with my wooden bow and the arrows that I craft myself. About 90% of my hunts do not end in meat in my freezer. But like most hunters the hunt is much more than what you return with, it is about what you experience while there.

WA Stakeholders Join Call on Obama to Implement Roadless Rule

WASHINGTON (01/12/09) — Public officials and environmental leaders today called on President Barack Obama to take swift action to implement the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule. Today marks the eight-year anniversary of the historic rule, which protects more than 58 million acres of undeveloped forestland, including nearly 2 million acres in Washington State. WWC has been leading the effort to gain public support and the attention of the media on a Resolution calling on President Barak Obama to uphold the Roadless Rule.

Alpine Lakes Proposal Garners Strong Local Support

Washington D.C. (8/20/08) - WWC has been leading efforts among a broader coalition to garner strong local stakeholder support for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Wild Pratt River Act (ALWAWPRA). On August 20, more than 100 local businesses from North Bend to Duvall, more than 80 local elected officials closest to the proposal, more than 50 statewide conservation, recreation and hunting and fishing organizations and nearly 40 religious leaders from Spokane to Vancouver all sent letters to Congressman Reichert supporting his Alpine Lakes legislation.

Alpine Lakes Wilderness Bill Gains Bipartisan Support

middle fork snowline kg.jpg Washington D.C. (6/10/08) - The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Wild Pratt River Act (HR 4113) continued gained some welcome support. Congressmen Jay Inslee (D-WA01), Norm Dicks (D-WA06) and Jim McDermott (D-WA07) cosponsored the legislation introduced by Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA08) which would protect 22,000 acres of low elevation mature and old-growth forest near Snoqualmie Pass.