DNR Introduction - House Natural Resource Committee

The following video is the 2009 opening presentation/briefing given by the Department of Natural Resources to the House Natural Resource Committee on Jan 15, 2009. It has a brief introduction by new Public Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark, followed by a briefing on DNR's functions and history, and later about their budget and involvement is the Governor's proposed reductions.

This is an interesting assessment, particularly the responses to some of the questions from the House Committee. The Representative from Skamania County was interested in how DNR is working with the USFS on land management, particularly when dealing with bark beetles and other infestations. He also brought up the swapping of DNR in some cases from owning timberlands to owning agriculture lands, some used for vineyards. Part of the answer was that DNR was seeking to be more actively involved as a cooperative partner with the USFS on such matters as spotted owl habitat as well as forest planning, the latter specifically with the Wenatchee - Okanogan USFS.

When DNR's Budget Director Bob Van Schoorl brought up (27 min. in) that the budget no longer includes the Sustainable Access operating budget item which would fund additional FTEs and services at Yacolt, Reiter, and Ahtanum (something we have been lobbying for), Representative Kirk Pearson of Monroe expressed his concern that this would affect recreation efforts in those planning areas, particularly Reiter Foothills. Budget Director Schoorl expressed assurances that at least the planning processes would be completed. Once more though, the Trail Stewards plan gets thwarted. One question was asked by Rep. Chandler as to how DNR prioritizes what gets done and what doesn't. Commissioner Goldmark said that it was an internal assessment but that the public should be more involved. Is that a good idea? We will see.

Here's the full video.