Save the Whales Part II?

Wow, I'd never thought that we in America would have to rally once again at our own government to Save the Whales. I remember well back in 1986-I was a left-leaning 25 year old angry at my government because they weren't doing the right things when it came to environmental preservation. It seemed like all of the great environmental strides that we accomplished under Democrats, Johnson and Carter and Republican Nixon would be the zenith in conservation acts. The Reagan administration just wasn't as interested in environmental protection-after all this was the time of the Sagebrush Rebellion and the New Right-a shift that began pushing moderate-conservation-minded Republicans to the side. But Ronald Reagan in 1986 signed two landmarks pieces of environmental legislation-one, the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Act (more on that later with my upcoming book on the gorge) and the other, the International Whaling Commissions (IWC)'s ban on commercial whaling. The slaughter at sea of our majestic sea mammals would finally end-well at least abate greatly-

Well-then again maybe not. So, here 24 years I was absolutely shocked when I saw a headline from Fox News that President Obama plans on lifting the Whaling moratorium. Surely that can't be correct-those right wingers at Fox just want to smear the president. Right? Well, maybe not- So I went over to Greenpeace, that seminal organization responsible for bringing the whaling issue (that and a Partridge Family episode) into my conscious. Yep-according to Greenpeace-it is true! Funny though how I can't seem to find much in the mainstream media about this-just like I had a hard time finding that the Obama administration has a worst record on protecting endangered species than George W Bush. Now, I'm not smearing the president. I'm just reporting some inconvenient truths. I commended the president when he signed into law last year an Omnibus Wilderness bill. Bravo Mr President-but you still have a long way to go convincing me that you are a conservationist. You are no Dick Nixon or Teddy Roosevelt or even Jimmy Carter (on the environment that is-one of Carter's few bright spots).

Oh yeah-Candidate Obama said in 2008, "As president I will ensure that the U.S. provides leadership... including strengthening the international moratorium on commercial whaling." You wouldn't break your promise now would you? Not like the one on having the most transparent government in US history? Nah-

Mr President, in case you need to hear why it would be a terrible idea to let the whaling moratorium lapse-I quote you Rich Lowry from the conservative magazine the National Review-

Why protect whales? They should be preserved as befits anything else that evokes wonder; they are the mammalian equivalent of the Grand Canyon or of the giant redwoods. They are also incredibly long-lived creatures with a sophisticated social structure, closer to chimpanzees than to cattle.

Besides, there’s no reason to kill whales. No one has needed whale oil to light lamps for at least a century, and blubber isn’t a necessary source of nutrition in a modern society. Yet Japan persists. It agitates against the moratorium and organizes international opposition to it at the same time it cynically defies it.

This would be one case for you Mr President and your administration to now be the party of "No!" That is NO TO WHALING! I hope I made myself clear.

(Picture from Greenpeace UK)

Build them and they will come (hike, run, walk and bike)

-but build them fast!

Although I am a fiscal conservative, let me be clear (to paraphrase our president) we can't spend enough money on parks, trails and nature preserves. I'm a utilitarian to some degree-believing in spending money for projects that do the greatest good for the greatest amount of people. Parks and trails fit the bill. As our population continues to spiral out-of-control and we continue to consume land for residences, industries, commercial establishments, roads, airports, power plants, wind farms, Walmarts, Costcos, etc,etc, etc-we are not keeping up with parks, preserves, open space, and trails. As American waist lines continue to expand and at ever younger and younger ages, we are not giving an increasingly large amount of them convenient access to trails and bike paths. We need to make the expansion of trails and parks a national priority. This administration is throwing around all kinds of stimulus money for roads, schools, rail lines, and God knows what else-and why I believe that some of this spending may be reckless, some of the projects being funded will indeed benefit the country. Expanding and improving our infrastructure is good. Our trails and parks are part of our infrastructure too for a healthy America. How about it, President Obama? Some money for parks and trails? And you governors? Insist on it! And the GOP-this is one area you don't want to say "No" to. Put this fiscal conservative on record. "I support spending more money on parks and trails--and I want to see it happen now!"

(Photo-Snohomish County's Whitehorse Trail. How much longer do we need to wait to run, hike, and bike this recreational treasure?)

What's next?

Beware of water on the Trail!

One of the more oddly signed trails in our state's trail system is Little Si. Managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the trailhead, trail and junctions are all well signed. I don't have a problem with that-in fact I commend the agency-for far too often trails managed by the US Forest Service lack any signs. What I find rather odd however is the large road like "Caution Falling Rock" sign on the trail. Now, its okay to warn about natural hazards at the trailhead kiosk-but seriously, isn't there always a risk of falling rock when you're heading up a mountain? This large highway sign looks so out of place on the trail. And-really now, does it do any good? What's a hiker to do-head up the trail neck-cocked upward at the slopes above? What then? A watch out for twisting ankles and falling sign!? Hikers assume risk when they enter the backcountry-a big sign stating the obvious probably doesn't alleviate the risk. All it does probably is let the land agency off the hook from being sued from a misguided hiker who thinks that the agency can control nature from acting up. Heck, if DNR can make nature heed its wishes-then it certainly would be able to get a much more destructive force from coming down on it-mainly Governor Gregoire's budget cuts for DNR! Hm-how much are you axing again from DNR Christine?And how much of a raise are state union workers getting again? My tax dollars pay for both and you have your axing and propping up in the wrong order. Maybe you can find a few more dollars in the coffers to put up a new sign "Caution, State Budget Cuts Coming-Kiss Your Favorite Trails Goodbye!"

(Photo-Christian Carver prepares for falling rock and Gregoire's falling DNR budget)

Defecation Proclamations

Signs of the Time?

Was there ever a time in our country's history when we could truly trust our politicians? Certainly not ones from Texas and Chicago. Well, okay maybe Abe Lincoln and Stephen Austin, but that was a long, long time ago! All I know that in this decade of Bush-Obama, I need a full time BS protector. And while that may be years in the making before some hotsh*t entrepreneur designs one- well at least the usually inept Forest Service has designed (and prominently displayed at some trailheads) a few signs I can take with me to the next townhall meeting or campaign rally. Check 'em out! What do you think? You might even find A-corn nestled within the stench! Mission accomplished! Change you can believe in! Feces alert indeed!

(photos- Bury your Poop from Trapper Creek or is that Crapper Creek and Feces Alert from Peak a Boo Lake or is that Peak a Poo Lake?)

Washington's Next Wilderness?

The passage this week of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act which created two million acres of new federal wilderness is certainly something to celebrate. And while Washington didn't receive any new wilderness, neighboring states Idaho and Oregon received substantial tracts. Now is the time to ride the momentum and secure some new wilderness areas for the Evergreen State. Rep Reichert has introduced a bill to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness by 22,000 acres. Senator Patty Murray has agreed to co-sponsor the bill in the senate. And while I am excited about this bill, the area included in it is not under immanent threat. What is under threat from ORV molestation and extractive industries are the following areas:

The Moonlight Dome Roadless Area-Olympic National Forest
Kettle River Range- Colville National Forest
Dark Divide- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
South Entiat Mountains (Upper Mad River)-Wenatchee National Forest
Eastern Sawtooth Range (Golden Lakes)- Wenatchee National Forest
Mount Bonapare- Okanogan National Forest

These lands are long overdue for wilderness protection. They were bypassed in the 1984 act and have repeatably been overlooked for wilderness in the past two and a half decades. Time is running out on these lands. It is time now for wilderness for these, some of Washington's last great unprotected wildlands. It won't be easy with the likes of Hastings and McMorris-Rodgers in Congress-but with Reichert on board he can help power broke. Start urging (if you haven't already) your elected officials to get on board!

(photo- Middle Fork Snoqualmie River-near Washington's possible next wilderness area)

A Lame response

from a Lame Governor

I'd like to share with you the uninspiring lame-o form letter response that Nine-billion-in-the-hole-Governor Gregoire sent me as her response to my concern about closing state parks.

Here it is:

Dear Craig:

Thank you for contacting Governor Gregoire about the budget. She appreciates every letter, message, and call she has received.

The Governor understands that many Washingtonians are concerned about the economy, struggling to make ends meet around their personal finances and fearful about state funding cuts. Like the rest of the country and the world, we are in the midst of an economic slowdown.

Governor Gregoire proposed and submitted her budget to the Legislature using the Priorities of Government (POG) approach that looks at the effectiveness of state programs to prioritize spending, focusing on services that matter most. POG is a sound method to determine the state's funding priorities, a process that designates items as "buy now" or "buy later" using funds the state has to work with. While she used POG to help inform her budget decisions, she also took into account the priorities citizens have for state government services and other important considerations.

The Governor did not like the budget she proposed, which included many difficult funding cuts. Her budget provides a solid foundation and starting point. However, since submitting it to the Legislature in December, as required by law, the deficit has continued to increase. We now face the loss of more than $721 million for the period ending June 30, 2009, and a nearly $9 billion shortfall for the 2009-11 Biennium, the largest budget shortfall in our state's history.

Governor Gregoire is optimistic about President Obama's efforts to provide the states with economic relief through the now-signed stimulus package that will address some of our revenue shortfall. However, the package is not a cure-all for either the recession or our state's budget deficit. Efforts to identify solutions to the recession and resulting state budget shortfalls are ongoing. State government will have to sacrifice and make hard choices just like Washington families. The final budget will include cuts, which are unavoidable. But families know, and we know, that tough people always outlast tough times and together we will emerge stronger from the challenges we face.

Again, thanks for contacting Governor Gregoire. She will be keeping your concerns in mind.

Sincerely,

Bill Wegeleben
Director of Government Operations
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor

Of course there is nothing here about addressing the point of my letter-state park closures and how reckless past spending lead us there. At least Representative Jeannie Darneille, chairperson of the state parks committee had the decency to respond back to me with a sincere response-and timely too. Thank you, Rep Darneille.

The governor in her finest fashion punts! She never takes responsibility that she got us here in the first place. And I love how she refers to President Obama's stimulus plan as a way to help get her off the hook. Yep-rob Peter to pay Paul. Or more like have Peter print up a few billion more dollars to grease the hands of Paul who spends money like a drunken sailor who just won the lottery. Yep, Governor, you give me much faith -thanks for getting us in this mess. I can only imagine what your next move (or more than likely inaction) is going to be. And thanks "for keeping my concerns in mind!"

Get Ready to Chisel

"National Scenic"

into that boulder!

There is still hope for National Scenic Trail status for the Pacific Northwest Trail and the New England Trail as well as hope for over two million acres of new wilderness from Oregon to Virginia. After the let down two weeks ago of the House failing to pass the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a new version was taken up by the Senate last week and it passed overwhelmingly by 77-20. The House should be taking the bill up on Wednesday and it should pass easily. Still, I refrain from tipping my glass of Chianti until I see the final roll call. And unlike many of our public leaders who didn't read the Stimulus Bill before signing it-I actually read through this bill. There is a lot of things to like about this bill especially as an advocate of natural resource protection and historic preservation. Among the tidbits in this bill are several new Civil War National Historic Sites, a President Clinton Birthplace National Historic Site (C'mon people-he was one of our presidents and W will get one too) and enlargement of the Martin Van Buren NHS (I kid you not!), a Cold War NHS, a possible Harriet Beecher Stowe NHS, new National Heritage Corridors in New England and elsewhere, new wilderness areas in Michigan and West Virginia and a South Park National Heritage Area in Colorado! Wow, I never knew Stan, Kyle, Kenny and Cartman were such national treasures. Seriously though-there is much to like about this bill-check here to see what is coming your way if the House follows through for us. I'm looking forward to all the new great places to visit coming my way.

Omnibus Public Land Management Act

Has Overwhelming Support in Congress

but Goes Down in Defeat!

Say What?

You have to love the way our system works sometimes (Insert sarcasm here). The Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009, a bill that would have established two million acres of new wilderness and make the Pacific Northwest Trail and the New England Trail National Scenic Trails among other things-a bill that had wide bipartisan support (73-21) in the Senate was defeated in the house by 2 votes.

Final Vote 282 For
144 Against
6 Not Voting

If it had 282 votes for it-then how could it have possibly been defeated you are probably thinking. Well- you are going to love this-the bill failed in the House of Representatives this week by roll call vote. The vote was held under a suspension of the rules to cut debate short and pass the bill, needing a two-thirds majority. Something that usually occurs for non-controversial legislation.

Repeat after me:
Un-insert a common profane modifier here-believable!

It appears that 141 of the 178 House Republicans and three Blue Dog Dems didn't like the bill. For the usual anti-wilderness forces its just business as usual-but perhaps for a few of the more open thinkers they got cold feet because of all of the crazy spending that has been going on recently.

Gotta love the irony of this session tough. Yep- Don't pay your mortgage- Congress and the Prez come to your rescue! Swindle tax payers with toxic mortgages and investments-Congress and the Prez come to your rescue! Run a major company that can't turn a profit-hey-don't worry- Congress and the Prez will come to your rescue!But try to protect a few small corners of undeveloped America for wild critters and future generations-and you can Forgetaboutit!

So I suppose its back to the drawing board and perhaps best so that any toxic amendments that were attached to this bill can be stripped off before trying all over again. Then again-we came so close-its so frustrating! Before we re-camp-be sure to check out the heroes and zeros below and let them know how you feel.

Heroes and Zeros

Thank your Democratic congressperson unless its James Marshall of Georgia, Collin Peterson of Minnesota, or Dan Boren of Oklahoma. Bobby Bright of Alabama, Suzanne Kosmas of Florida and John Hall of New York didn't vote and they could have made the difference on this vote! Ask them why they weren't doing their job!

Thirty-four republicans voted for the bill and they should be thanked-among them-
Michael Simpson of Idaho, Greg Walden of Oregon, Donald Young of Alaska, and our Dave Reichert of Washington.

Admonish Cathy McMorris-Rodgers and Doc Hastings of WA for voting against this bill-the only two Congressional members in the entire Northwest delegation (WA, OR, ID, AK) that voted against this bill! The entire New England Congressional delegation voted for the bill and they should be thanked.

(photo-A scene in the Holyoke Hills of Massachusetts where the proposed New England National Trail Travels over)

Florida Saves their State Parks

Republican governor and concerned citizens put their money where their parks are!

Can't help but note the bitter irony here. Down in the south where people "cling to their religion and guns" they evidently didn't cling to their wallets when it came time to save their state parks. Floridians overwhelmingly backed a plan by their legislature to raise day use fees (some up to $8 to park) to keep their parks operating and open. And governor Crist, a Republican has allocated more money to the parks system to keep them open. Nice job Florida and Governor Crist, and nice to see that you cherish your outdoor and historic heritage.

Here in "progressive" (actually quite regressive) "green" (only if it concerns transportation in which everyone must take the bus except overweight mayors who talk a lot about other people taking the bus) Washington state we close parks. Our democratic governor and democratic-controlled legislature are going to allow the state parks commission to close and liquidate parks. And many of our over-caffeinated well-to-do SUV driving citizens balk at the notion of having to pay a day use fee to keep their parks open. Go figure! You get what you pay for folks. In Florida you get a beautiful park system that will continue to provide recreation and refuge for its citizens in this terrible economic time. In Washington, you get squat.

Oh yeah, and Florida doesn't have a state income tax either-yet they have figured out how to pay for their park system. I have said it before-and I'll say it ad nauseum -My fellow Washingtonians-if you care about your state parks and heritage hold your legislator's and governor's feet to the fire! NO STATE PARK CLOSURES! I for one am willing to open my wallet a little to help keep them open. I hope you are too-and I hope that my indifferent state reps and governor will give us this option instead of liquidating our heritage! ENOUGH!

(photo-St Joseph Spit State Park-one of my favorite state parks in the nation. Seven miles of undeveloped Gulf-of Mexico paradise-and worth paying a little extra for)

New Jersey Considers

a Bond to Save its Parks

Washington isn't the only state with its state parks and forests on the chopping block. California. Arizona, Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey (and I'm sure there are a few other states too) are all considering closing and sunsetting some of their state parks. Citizens in Illinois rebelled by holding their legislators' feet to the fire (a state not exactly known for harboring honest politicians-Sorry Abe- but look at what is currently coming out of the Land of Lincoln) demanding that they not close their parks.

And in New Jersey, a state with the highest population density but also one with the strongest support for open space among its populace, Garden Staters are also demanding that their parks and forests not be closed. Hey-you gotta problem wit dat?

Witness- according to the Trust for Public Land

Last November, New Jersey voters approved funds for open space, despite the poor economy. On November 4, 2008 voters nationwide approved $7.3 billion in new public money to protect land for parks and open space-the highest amount ever according to The Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national land conservation organization. The increase can be attributed in large part to the Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy constitutional amendment accounting for $5.5 billion. Overall, 62 out of 87 measures (or 71 percent) were passed by voters. In New Jersey, voters approved 14 of 22 county and municipal measures generating $191 million in conservation funding. New Jersey had more open space ballot measures than any other state.

And now this year, Governor Corzine has called on the New Jersey Legislature to place an Open Space Bond Referendum on the 2009 November Ballot to thwart closing of parks and forests as well as acquiring additional lands.

According to New Jersey's Keep it Green Campaign:

Although Governor Corzine prefers a “long-term funding solution” for open space preservation, which he recognized as “an area of vital importance and concern” to New Jerseyans, he urged the Legislature to place an interim bonding question on the November 2009 ballot in his State of the State address.

These are certainly trying times for our state government agencies. And while many have been bloated and corrupted and abused, parks departments have not-in fact many of them were underfunded even during the boom times. In Washington, with its 8 billion dollar deficit (Thanks Christine- you told us before the election that we had no deficit-and enough naive voters believed you-thanks for spending our state into financial despair) our reckless-with-our-wallets governor wants to close parks to make up for her spending indiscretions of the past. How about getting creative or at least offer some alternatives to funding than letting the parks go. Ask the voters what they want to do with their parks (and maybe how to fund some of the other agencies as well). And voters if you cherish your parks-you better be willing to start putting your money where your hearts and boots are!

(photo-The Appalachian Trail traverses this New Jersey Natural gem, Worthington State Forest)

In Support of National Scenic Trails There was a front page article in the Seattle Times yesterday on the prospects of the Pacific Northwest Trail becoming our newest National Scenic Trail if the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009 becomes law. The same bill also contains a provision for the creation of the New England National Scenic Trail. As someone who hikes frequently and loves the trails of both my home state New Hampshire and adopted state Washington, I couldn't be happier about the prospects of two new great long distance trails traversing my favorite hiking haunts.

Most Americans- folks from all walks of life support these trails. And it would seem that they are pretty non-controversial, right? Well, you'd never know it based on some of the idiotic posts on the Seattle Times article. Most of the drivel came from far right kooks convinced that the National Trail Act is a land grab or yet another way the Federal government is undermining a state's rights. Far from it! Most of the land that the trail traverses is already public land. Where it traverses private lands, the owners have consented to its placement there granting an easement. The owner does not relinquish his right to do what he pleases (within the confines of the law of course) with the rest of his property. And land grab? All that is purchased for a national trail in most cases is just a narrow corridor. Once again only from willing sellers and at fair-market value.


The National Parks Service has jurisdiction over the trail but maintains a very small role. Local land managers of lands that the trail traverses still make the land use decisions for those properties. Land managers work together- and that is a good thing- but the trail and surrounding lands are by and far managed by local people. And there is a huge amount of private participation in the form of financial donations and trail work. Most of the National Scenic Trails have private conservation groups working on their behalf-these groups are not funded by Congress, but by private citizens like you and me. So, will the anti-conservation, anti-trails, anti-public lands kooks stop sipping the kool aid for minute and actually do a little research on what they are so against? And then perhaps actually get out on one of these trails and see just what a great asset they are. Far better than another race track, mall, casino, and second-home development I assure you!

(photo- granddaddy National Scenic Trail, the Appalachian Trail)

Welcome Back to the Senate,

Judd Gregg!

I couldn't be happier to have Senator Gregg come back to the senate than to serve in the Obama Administration. Other than his terrible lack-of-judgement on the TARP funds, Gregg has proven to be a sound fiscal conservative-and an excellent conservationists too. A rare breed and one that our nation can be proud of. So, get back in the Senate and add a voice of reason to the insane Stimulus-pork spending special interest hand greasing free-for-all that Reid and Pelosi have crafted. And get back in there and continue to vote for good sound pieces of environmental legislation-like land protection in New Hampshire's White Mountains and Great Bay. And Senator Gregg, you said you weren't interested in running again for the senate in 2010. Could a presidential run be in the making for 2012?

(photo- Great Bay Land Preservation made possible by Senator Gregg)

The New England

National Scenic Trail?

While all eyes are currently on the Perpetual Debt Act of 2009; I mean the Obama-Reid-Pelosi Stimulus Bill; Congress, that great body of special interest influence and notorious for not listening to their constituents is also taking up this week, the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2008. I for one actually support this bill! Hurray! Among the many things that this bill will establish is a New England National Scenic Trail. Cool! It would elevate the historic Triple M - the Metacomet-Monadnock-Mattabesett trail system which runs from southern Connecticut to southern New Hampshire to national scenic trail status-on par with the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. This of course would help in securing funding to protect the beautiful corridor that this trail follows. I'm all about no-nonsense land preservation. This is a good (not perfect) bill and one that I hope that we all (Reps, Dems, libs and conservatives) can get behind. America is too beautiful to completely pave over. Let your senator know you care about our natural heritage. Get this bill passed!

An Expanded

Alpine Lakes Wilderness?

Congressman Dave Reichert (R WA 8th District) has set the wheels rolling this Congressional session to get more wilderness protection in the Central Cascades. His bill which purports to expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness by 26,000 acres mostly within the Pratt River and Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valleys is a no-nonsense no pork-spending no partisan-bickering bill. I know this bill is minuscule compared to the Trillion dollar leverage our future on a lot of ridiculous projects bill- I mean the Obama stimulus bill- but it would be nice to get this little wilderness bill passed-and keep the ball rolling for more wilderness protection. Can an Eastern Washington Wilderness Bill be on the horizon? The economy may be melting down, but lets try not take our roadless areas with it.

(photo- Middle Fork Snoqualmie River just outside of the proposed new wilderness expansion)

Senator Gregg:

A Republican Rarity,

An Environmental Champion

It both pleases me and saddens me that Senator Judd Gregg of New Hampshire has accepted to be President Obama's Secretary of Commerce. It pleases me because I have nothing but high respect for Senator Gregg and I believe he is a highly capable person for the position. He is a moderate Republican and a politician that I have very similar views with. He's a fiscal conservative and a conservationist. He has been a true champion of the environment and there are few large protected tracts of land in my home state of New Hampshire that he was not part of-especially when it came to getting the funding for these lands. He has helped expand the White Mountain National Forest and created both the Lake Umbagog and Great Bay National Wildlife Refuges. The latter, is one of my favorite places in the Granite State, a place I visit every year and a place that I have written about. Perhaps no other politician has been so instrumental in helping to protect this ecologically important and beautiful natural area.

Okay, so why am I saddened about his ascension to the Obama throne? Judd Gregg is too good of a senator to leave the senate. He is a rarity- a moderate and a conservation-minded Republican. Fellow New England green elephants, Snowe and Collins from Maine have just lost a great ally. The Republican party is growing increasingly far right-leaving moderates and slightly right of center folks little choice. There aren't enough Blue Dog Dems yet to woo them over. What's a Teddy Roosevelt disciple to do? I also would hate to see Gregg's illustrious career go down in a thud- I have little faith in the Obama administration and this may be the end of Gregg's influence. If the Republicans are able to win back the senate-Gregg would be one of its most powerful members. That is not an option now. But I have one issue with Gregg-one I have with Bush and Obama too-while I admire Gregg on fiscal issues, he did vote to release the remaining $350 million of Tarp funds (a taxpayer ripoff for reckless banks and corporate bottom feeders!). Ouch. New Hampshire's newly minted Democrat senator Jeanne Shaheen voted against. Kudos to you senator Shaheen.

I wish Senator Gregg the best and I have only one word of advice for you before you join Obama's cabinet. I hope you paid your taxes! Warren G Harding must be laughing from his grave watching this administration being formed.

(Photo- Great Bay from the Sandy Point Discovery Center, a Judd Gregg legacy)

Forget the Steelers- Its Groundhog Day!

Happy Groundhog Day! Yep, its that quirky holiday again that was brought to us by German Catholic immigrants to Pennsylvania many moons ago when all eyes are on a woodchuck (aka groundhog, whistling pig, eastern marmot) and his prediction on whether winter will last for another 6 weeks. Over in Western PA hungover Super Bowl revelers waited for the most famous ground hog of them all, Punxsutawney Phil to see if he could see his shadow-guaranteeing more winter-or not see his shadow guaranteeing an early spring. And despite some heavy lobbying from Al Gore, Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow so don't put away those shovels just yet! Its shaping up again to be quite another winter back east and throughout many other parts of the country as well. Not sure the groundhog can take much credit for any of it though. Winter happens. And I'm sure that even with all the doom and gloom climate change fear mongers and the industry as usual climate change deniers spewing plenty of hot air- winter will continue to happen. Okay, Phil- go back to sleep-you're not missing much-unless you can predict whether the 1 trillion dollar stimulus bill will pass. But , I think for that we'll need to find your cousin Porkbarrelspending Swill to Make that prediction!

(photo- Phil's Washington cousin, Cadymeadows Jill wondering if it will be another 6 months of winter in the high Cascades).

State Park Closures You Can Believe In!

Well, here we go again. Back in 2002 Washington State under Democrat Governor Gary Locke and a democrat controlled legislature saw that it was economically prudent to close (translated-get rid of) a handful of our state park gems. Well now in 2009, its Deja-Vu all over again except worst. Ms Gregoire, a prototype of Mr. Locke has upped the ante and wants to liquidate from our state held heritage 13 of our parks! Yes, that's right, Ms Gregoire wants to help rectify the reckless spending of her first four years by getting rid of some of our parks. (Sorry Christine- you can't blame this on Bush- you and your free-spending dems spent state money like there was no tomorrow-and guess what? Tomorrow has come!)

Now, I must admit I have never been a fan of Gregoire-but to much of my surprise she is making some necessary cuts in the budget- particularly in bloated areas like social services. But still she got us into this mess by increasing the budget by 30%. Evidently John McCain wasn't the only one who thought that our economy was just fine. The handwriting was on the wall; that a recession was approaching but Gregoire continued to spend with reckless abandonment! But our state parks don't deserve to be punished for her irresponsible fiscal practices. Our state parks department was never a bloated agency. It has continuously been underfunded by both democrats and republicans.


Surely Christine, do you really believe that by getting rid of 13 state parks and shaving a meager 5.2 million dollars from the budget that this is worth it? That saving 5.2 million is worth more than the value that these parks bring to local residents and the tourist dollars that they help generate- surely much more than $5.2 million. Out of your 13 parks, 4 of them are on the economically depressed Olympic Peninsula. The poor souls of this region are losing their jobs and now their parks! They need decent places to recreate! All of us in Washington state (You too Ms. Gregoire) need decent places to recreate. Our state has grown by 1.5 million people in the last 20 years. We need more parks not less!


How can you justify shaving 5.2 million from the budget when you are going to spend millions and millions more on some silly climate bills? Save our land first! Don't waste our tax dollars on questionable climate controls bills! Paving over parkland I assure you is not good for our climate!


And former-Governor Dan Evans, a true champion of the environment, where is your outrage? You a are going to help let these parks fall by the wayside while you lobby for $150 million for a football stadium!?! Are you nuts? Five million will keep our parks open and you want to spend 150 million for a football stadium! I see where your priorities lie. Pretty sad.


In Illinois they planned on doing the same thing-closing parks because of reckless state spending. The Illinois people revolted. The state found some money. So where is the outrage here? Washingtonians need to let the governor and our legislators know that we care about our parks. We can't be as lucky as Illinois and get rid of our governor- but we can be as lucky as Illinois and keep our parks!


And in case you think I am just being critical of the governor without giving a solution. I gladly welcome back a day-use fee to keep my parks open. My parks are worth $2, 3, 5 dollars a visit. They are worth much more than 5.2 million and they are worth far much more than being a quick kill in the budget. Let's get a day use fee back on them and perhaps open a few to concessionaires (food service for example at certain parks) where we can collect some extra revenue. We can't have it both ways-services with no taxes. I for one support equitable user fees. Okay, I put my 2 cents in, time for you to put yours in- and preferably in Olympia.


For the Illinois story and to the WA parks at risk of losing click Here


(photo- lovely Lake Sylvia -highlighted in my Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula Book is on Gregoire's chopping block)

Inaugural Thoughts

Like many in America I too am glad to see the end of George W. Bush's presidency. I never voted for him. But I don't think he is the devil incarnate, just not one of our better presidents. Probably one of our worst down there with Carter, Buchanan and Pierce. Lost opportunity is best how you can sum up his presidency. However, while I look forward to the post Bush era I am part of the 46% of the electorate that didn't get swept away with Obamamania. I never jump on bandwagons. I analyze and don't get swept away with irrational exuberance. This pragmatism has protected me from the Tech Bubble and the Real Estate Bubble and all the worthless crappy fads that are thrown at us every year to part with our money. There are things about Barack Obama that I admire. I think that he is intelligent, articulate, and genuinely a decent person. However, his politics leave me with much to desire. He talks well and has reached out to the other side and that is admirable. But, what does he really stand for beyond "hope and change?" We'll soon find out. It is wonderful that our country has overcome the racial divisions of the past, yet at the inauguration Rev Lowry delivered a racially tinged insulting "sermon." Reverend Warren's sermon however was enlightening and it is nice to see that Obama is not afraid to wear his spirituality on his sleeve. After all, Abe Lincoln, Obama's inspiration was one of our most religious presidents-and one of our best. Secular progressives must have had to swallow hard all of the references to God yesterday. But it is going to take more than God to get us out of the economic mess that we are facing. Spending our way into massive debt won't be the answer. This is what Bush tried to do and Obama is following suit- hardly change. Its good to see that if Republicans won't hold Obama to task on bailoutmania at least the Blue Dog Democrats will. Keep your eye on Heath Shuler-he's the type of Democrat that can lure me back to his side of the aisle. On environmental issues, there is clearly much to celebrate. One of the reasons that Bush never got my vote was his overt hostility on environmental issues. Under Obama I feel confident that conservation issues will at least get a better hearing- but I'm still worried about radical environmental initiatives. They have the unintended consequences of bringing in reactionary counter measures later on. Stick with the book of Teddy- Not the book of Al. And finally, I end this musing on a lighter note. Bring back Robert Frost. Was that the absolute worst poem at an inauguration you have ever heard or what? It was downright painful and another reason why most poets deserve to stay in darkly lit bohemian coffee houses. Praise song for my indigestion! Good Luck President Obama- I wish you the best. My nation and my future are counting on you.

Get on the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009

On a positive note for sound environmental legislation, the US Senate voted 73-21 to pass a massive wilderness bill! Yahoo! Twenty-one senators voted no, all republicans including John McCain. Ouch-

The following republicans voted yea; Lamar Alexander and Bob Corker of Tennessee, Christopher Bond of Missouri, Judd Gregg of New Hampshire, Orrin Hatch of Utah, Mel Martinez of Florida, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Richard Lugar of Indiana, Susan Collins and Olympia Snowe of Maine, Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker of Mississippi, John Barrasso and Michael Enzi of Wyoming , Michael Crapo and Jim Rirsch of Idaho, and George Voinovich of Ohio. Wow- the entire delegation from Wyoming, Idaho Tennessee, and Mississippi- not exactly environmentally friendly delegations mind you voted yea!

Now back to McCain- Why the no vote? On January 6th senator McCain introduced 3 environmental friendly bills:

Arizona National Scenic Trail Bill – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, Senator McCain introduced the Arizona National Scenic Trail Bill to designate the Arizona Trail a National Scenic Trail. Approximately 807 miles long, the trail begins at the Coronado National Memorial on the United States-Mexico border and extends to the Arizona Strip bordering Utah.

Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Act – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, Senator McCain introduced the Fossil Creek Wild and Scenic River Act designating segments of Fossil Creek, a tributary to the Verde River in the State of Arizona, as a Wild and Scenic River.

Walnut Canyon Study Act – Cosponsored by Senator Jon Kyl, the bill would provide for a study and report on how to best manage public lands surrounding the Walnut Canyon Monument to ensure adequate protection of the canyon’s cultural and natural resources.

So, Senator McCain- why the no vote?

Now let's get this bill onto President-elect Obama's desk so he can sign at least one bill that I'm in favor of in his first 100 days!

(photo- Heather hiking on Mount Hood's Cooper Spur. Oregon Wilderness will expand greatly under this bill)

Global Warming on Mount Washington! It's a good time right now NOT to be hiking in my home state of New Hampshire. With wind chills in the -50F range right now on Mount Washington, it's colder than Al Gore's disposition up there! Montreal is looking at a daily high of -5 and that's not Celsius. Over in Michigan the cradle of American industrial output, Flint (the hometown of hot air balloon Michael Moore) just beat a 95 year record for cold. Now before the Disciples of Doom and Gloom Global Warming, Climate Change, Climate Disruption- or whatever the heck they are going to call it next syndrome start chiming in-I am not denying Climate Change! Never Have! It happens all the time and there isn't much we can do about it! So stop all this silly nonsense about fighting the weather and lets address some real environmental problems that we can change. How about stop consuming and wasting so much? Reigning in our out-of-control immigration mess that contributes to urban sprawl and the need for more energy and material consumption. Protecting habitat- expanding parks and wilderness areas- stop paving over farmland and stop thinking that we can curb our industrial output when we keep growing our population by leaps and bounds. Here in Washington, our state (thanks to the governor-not the president-he's responsible for the national mess) is facing a 6 billion dollar deficit and Gov Gregoire wants to spend money on fighting climate change! Good grief! She is going to close parks and instead throw money into the wind on something that won't help our environment or economy. The only Climate Change I would like to promote is getting rid of the current climate in Olympia and DC and put into place sound conservation and economic policies. Meanwhile the economy is melting down and we are going to throw money at one of the biggest scams in history-trying to stop the climate from changing! Maybe we can stop the sun from shining while we are at it too! Sheesh!
(photo- a group of hikers stare out at Mount Washington and try to imagine being up there when its -50F!)