North Olympic Peninsula Broadband • Entered by Krestine Reed on April 17, 2023
Elwha Rally to Save Legacy Forests.
March 5, 2023
Participants and Hours
| Pre Planning hours | 2 |
| Post Admin hours | 2 |
| Activity Hours | 3 |
| Participants | 100 |
| Total Hours | 304 |
Key Issue: Multiple apply
Activity Type: Advocacy (rallies, lobbying, meeting decision makers, letters/calls/emails)
Short Description of Activity
Port Angeles, WA (February 28, 2023)—On March 5, 2023 from 12-2pm, a coalition of concerned residents will hold a peaceful rally at the Elwha River Observation Area near an active timber harvest site called “Aldwell.” The rally is to raise awareness about the need to protect older forests in and around the Elwha River Watershed and to call on Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz to stop logging in the Elwha River Watershed. At least 50% of “Aldwell” could still be saved if Commissioner Franz directed the harvest to stop. All are welcome to join the rally sponsored by Center for Responsible Forestry, Earth Law Center, and the Olympic Forest Coalition. (More information at https://adventurephotography.forest2sea.com/aldwell-forest/).
Reflection/Evaluation
As Regional Coordinator with Center for Responsible Forestry Nina Sarmiento so succinctly stated “There are solutions that will allow us to have both a thriving economy and a healthy environment.”
During her message, LaTrisha Suggs, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe member and Port Angeles city council member, expanded that message. “This is about legacy forests. This is not about stopping all timber harvesting because we know timber families need the jobs and we support timber families and what they do.”
In Peninsula Daily News, Ken Park stated, ”The root of the issue appears to be a difference in opinion regarding the definition of old growth or legacy forests.” Yes, that was one foundational difference I heard from the loggers and their family.
Members of the Lummi Nation brought the Kwelengsen (Eagle) Protector Staff to gather prayers and become infused with the spirit of all people present. This eagle headed staff will travel to Oak Flat carrying the spirit of hopes and prayers for all to come together as neighbors and caretakers of Mother Earth.
Photos/Uploads
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Photo Captions
1. Krestine Reed at Rally with hand painted on fabric signs.
3. LaTrisha Suggs, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe gives message and Phredie Lane of Lummi Nation holds Kwelengsen (Eagle) Protector Staff