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Conversion
of Forest Lands
Every year, thousands of acres of
high value forest lands are lost to conversion to strip malls, second homes,
and resorts. Local jobs and long term revenues for schools are lost, wildlife
habitat destroyed, and public access to traditional hunting and fishing areas
diminished.
Even worse, many of these land trades
and sales are done without much needed public input and equal opportunity to
bid on available lands. Invitations to participate
are often extended only to big developers and other insiders.
I'll reform this process and make sure that serving the public’s
interest is the top priority of our state’s Department of Natural Resources
each and every day. I will work with
individuals, groups, organizations and local jurisdictions to afford them
adequate notice and opportunity to purchase state owned lands that may become
available for sale and to keep locally significant recreation lands accessible
to the public. We need to take a more thoughtful
approach focused on long-term
sustainability—for trust revenues, jobs, recreation, fish and wildlife habitat,
and ecological protection rather than sell off our future for short term
profits.
Sustainable
Timber Practices
Our forests are a symbol of our state
and a critical source of jobs and funding for our schools. Yet the forest
base of the Evergreen State is shrinking due
to over harvesting, conversion to other uses, and loss to fire. Yet the
incumbent wants to increase cutting by more than 30%, and has consistently
ignored existing rules and regulations that could mitigate damage from landslides
when steep slopes and critical watersheds are clear cut.
Furthermore, recent press reports
have exposed bogus so-called "green certification" of lumber, duping
consumers and contractors looking for sustainably harvested wood products.
When forests are lost, so are jobs
and school funds. We need a different approach.
I'll reform these wasteful, short
term practices by demanding that the rules are followed, and strengthened as
needed. I'll coordinate with large and small landowners to better manage
for long term sustainability at the local level—protecting jobs, recreation
access and habitat.
Cleaning
up Puget Sound
The state has undertaken an ambitious
and necessary clean up program under the new Puget Sound Partnership.
I will work collaboratively with Partnership leaders to ensure DNR policies
are consistent with the long term goals and overall management plan for the Sound.
The Commissioner oversees aquatic
reserves, shoreline management, and near shore public lands that can help or
hurt in the effort to clean and restore the Sound. I'll make coordination
and clean up a top priority.
Climate
Change
The people of Washington State have demanded
action on climate change. It's time to elect a Lands Commissioner
who will deliver.
The Commissioner of Public Lands has
direct management oversight of about 2 million acres, and regulatory oversight
of 10 million more. We all know that healthy forests are a key component
in efforts to address global climate change.
The incumbent wants to increase
harvest levels by more than 30%, denying the scientific reality threatening
long term health of our forests as climate change impacts rain cycles, snow
melt, and increases the occurrence of forest fires.
The incumbent has stated that he does
not believe that the evidence for climate change is conclusive, telling a group
of industry insiders "Climate change is going to be an issue, and what
impacts does it have in all aspects of our lives. If indeed it does
anything at all. And I'm not one of those that is of the belief that the
argument is already settled." This shocking denial of reality is no
longer shared by even George W. Bush, whose Washington State campaign Sutherland chaired in
2004.
Wildfires
Many people don't realize it, but the
state DNR is tasked with interagency coordination during fire response, making
sure local and federal agencies and fire fighting personnel are
acting in concert during major fire suppression events.
I've been a volunteer rural
firefighter for more than three decades, a first responder on the fire line
when a forest or rangeland fire breaks out in my part of Okanogan County. I know the challenges fire fighters face and
will use my experience to improve the lines of communication on the ground. I will work cooperatively with our volunteer
fire districts to assist them in getting the equipment they need so they’re adequately
prepared when called upon.
Time and time again, rural
communities are harmed by slow response and lack of clear protocol by DNR
agents on the scene. Landowners are barred access to their land and
property, fires jump lines and destroy more resources due to poor
communication, among other impacts.
I'll perform a top down review of
fire policies, using personal experience and relying on experts to make sure
DNR has the resources, technology, and personnel needed to stop fires.
Clean
Water
The Commissioner of Public Lands
manages water resources as well, from upland streams, ponds, lakes and the shared
waterways from the Snake River to the Puget Sound.
Clean water for agriculture, for
salmon, for recreation, and of course human consumption is as critical to our
health as a state as lush forests and strong, vibrant communities. To
protect our water quality, I'll make sure DNR coordinates with local, regional,
and state entities. I'll make sure timber buffers are respected, and that
shorelines are kept clean to protect our shellfish industry as well as public
health.
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About Peter 
