Letters: Open Up Federal Forests to Logging, Cut Fire Risks; Reproductive Health Act Is Positive Step for Families; Citizens Thanked for Their Support of Toledo EMS Levy

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Open Up Federal Forests to Logging, Cut Fire Risks

There are over 900 million acres of federal timberland here in America and over half of that timber belt is right here in the Northwest. A good portion of that timber is also in Alaska. That is more than enough to support a better than average economy here in the Northwest. 

We have been struggling with this issue far too long and nothing of any financial significance has been accomplished. On the contrary, the doors of the largest lumber and plywood plants in the world equipped with extremely expensive machinery have been forced to shut their doors. That is a huge economic step in the wrong direction. It’s time to change that. 

Thirty years of growth have added a handsome bit of scale to those trees set aside and declared offlimits to loggers, so what now? 

Three things. First, China, Japan and North Korea have had their eye on our timber belt for quite some time. It would be a horrible decision if our government thought of selling out.

Second, much like today, our forests will most likely continue to succumb to devastating forest fires and insect infestation that has amounted to millions of board feet. 

And third, and most practical, unlock those gates to our federal forests and allow loggers to restore the stewardship our forests desperately need and, more importantly, to eliminate the threat of forest fires that are consuming too much of our forests every year. 

Our timber belt here in the Northwest has enormous financial potential that we could benefit from and restore our current low-key economy back to the respectful level it used to be, which, as we all know, has been awhile. 

Something to remember here is all logging operations are equipped with firefighting equipment, and the major reason there aren’t many fires in our forests when loggers are in the woods. Loggers have always had more experience and know-how to care for our forests than anyone else. They know every foot of land in our wilderness areas, know where to go and what to do because they built every road out there. 

Logging was one of the first occupations to establish most of our major cities and towns throughout the Northwest. We should get back to that with a little twist in management, that being coming up with a different philosophy in managing timber harvesting, such as select logging instead of clear cutting. It’s a proven logging plan that works and everyone is happy with. You take some and leave some. 

But first, we need to unlock those gates. It will also free up our forests to hunters, hikers and fishermen alike. 

Those are our forests, folks. We should be enjoying the benefits they provide. After all, we are paying taxes for their well-being and upkeep. They shouldn’t be locked up like they are in prison and no one is permitted to visit. 

 

Art Reynolds

Chehalis

 

Reproductive Health Act Is Positive Step for Families

I strongly encourage you to support the Reproductive Health Act because it will positively affect families and individuals throughout Washington by providing common-sense solutions.

Today, women in Washington often lack access to reliable, affordable or consistent birth control that works for them. Preventive health care and contraceptive options for men are inconsistently covered. 

Currently, contraceptives are not universally available and prescriptions are often only given in 90-day increments. Insurance companies cover maternity care but not abortion equally. 



The women and men of Washington deserve the right to make reproductive health care decisions, with privacy, that is best for them. Today, they do not have these options.

We can change this.

The Reproductive Health Act offers the people of Washington fair health care that meets each individual’s needs. Approval would promote public health and grant each individual in Washington equitable access to reproductive health care that best serves his or her needs.

 It would improve contraceptive access; reduce barriers, allowing 12 months of birth control; promote reproductive health care consistency; and require the Governor’s Task Force to review and make recommendations concerning the current reproductive health disparities. Support the Reproductive Health Act, Senate Bill 5574 and House Bill 1647.

 

Erin Mulka

Rochester

 

Citizens Thanked for Their Support of Toledo EMS Levy

On behalf of the Board of Commissioners and the men and women of the Toledo Fire Department, I want to sincerely thank the citizens for their overwhelming support in the continuation of our EMS levy. This is an important part of our future strategic planning process.

The EMS levy will fund the continuation of basic life support (EMT) and advanced life support (paramedic) personnel. It will also ensure the funding of vital equipment, supplies and training.

We are fortunate to have such a high caliber of highly trained EMS personnel. The EMS funds will ensure continued excellent response and service to Toledo and surrounding communities. Our citizens deserve this continued level of quality care.

We greatly appreciate your confidence in our operations. We will honor your confidence and trust by continuing to be good stewards of your tax dollars as we provide the best possible emergency services.

Once again, thank you voters of Toledo. Your continued support makes our community safer and is part of what makes this community such a great place to live.

 

Diane Wallace

business manager

Lewis County Fire District 2