The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is proud to announce that it has received The Land Report's "Timberland Deal of the Year" award for its exceptional work on the Deep River Woods transaction.
Deep River Woods, encompassing over 20,000 acres of prime timberland in Wahkiakum County, faced potential division and development before DNR’s purchase. Partnering with The Conservation Fund, DNR secured the acquisition of all 20,505 acres from Manulife Investment Management for $121 million. This landmark deal marks the largest land acquisition by the state in over a decade.
"The Deep River Woods transaction exemplifies our commitment to preserving Washington state's natural resources for future generations," said Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. "This acquisition not only expands our capacity for sustainable forestry but also underscores our dedication to maintaining the economic vitality and ecological integrity of our landscapes."
The acquisition was structured through a partnership where DNR acquired 9,115 acres for $55 million, while The Conservation Fund purchased the remaining 11,390 acres for $66 million. This collaborative effort will preserve a vital timberland ecosystem and reinforce the economic foundation of local communities dependent on the forest products industry.
The transaction, facilitated by LandVest on behalf of Manulife, represented a complex yet successful negotiation that balanced conservation interests, economic development, and community sustainability.
Deep River Woods is expected to continue as a working forest, contributing significantly to Washington’s timber industry and supporting local communities through sustainable land management practices.
ref. https://www.dnr.wa.gov/news/department-natural-resources-transaction-recognized-timberland-deal-year
IN OTHER STATE NEWS:
WSDA AWARDS $1.5 MILLION IN GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN WASHINGTON STATE’S LOCAL FOOD SYSTEM
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has awarded $1.5 million in Local Food System Infrastructure Grants to support local food system infrastructure, supply chains, and market access for farms, food processors, food distributors and meat processors. WSDA funded a total of 40 projects that strengthen linkages along the regional food supply chain, encourage collaboration, and create new market opportunities for farmers, ranchers and food businesses entrepreneurs./WSDA
https://agr.wa.gov/about-wsda/news-and-media-relations/news-releases?article=39499&culture=en-us
AG Ferguson: Plastic surgeon must pay $5 million for illegally manipulating consumer ratings.
Allure Esthetic must pay restitution to 21,000 Washingtonians and seek removal of all fake reviews, among other significant reforms
SEATTLE — Allure Esthetic and Dr. Javad Sajan must pay $5 million as a result of Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s consumer protection lawsuit. Allure and Sajan threatened patients with illegal non-disclosure agreements and falsified online reviews to inflate the plastic surgeon’s reputation./WAAG
Attorney General’s sex predator unit prevents release of Pierce County sex offender.
TACOMA — A Pierce County Superior Court judge found probable cause to transfer a sex offender to McNeil Island after the Washington Attorney General’s Office filed a petition to prevent his release to the community./WAAG
Commerce invests $7.3 million to sustain five community-based behavioral health facilities./DEPT.of COMMERCE
Minority and Justice Commission 2019-2023 Annual Report
July 01, 2024
The Washington State Minority and Justice Commission has published the Annual Report for 2019 – 2023. The report highlights the Commission’s progress in advancing its mission across four key areas: education, research, outreach and community engagement, and workforce diversity.
During this time the Commission hosted and supported numerous judicial and legal educational programs focused on increasing awareness and understanding of systemic racism, implicit bias, and cultural competency. The Commission assisted with the expansion of local Youth and Law Forum events, and succeeded in advancing long-term initiatives such as the completion of the LFO Consortium Final Report and major expansion of jury demographic studies to improve the representativeness of juries in Washington./WA COURTS
https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/?fa=newsinfo.internetdetail&newsid=50447
2) NEWS FROM OUR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION:
WA Airports Received Over $47M in Federal Funding in First Half of 2024
Grants in Eastern WA ($12.7m), Puget Sound ($12.3m), Northwest WA ($11.4m), Central WA ($9.7m) & Southwest WA ($883k) regions helped make flying safer & more efficient/ Press release issued 7/3/24
3) WORLD< NATION< BUSINESS:
WORLD:
Amid Deteriorating Situation in Gaza, Senior Humanitarian Coordinator, Briefing Security Council, Stresses Need for Ceasefire, Unimpeded Delivery of Aid
Delegate Says Resolution 2720 (2023) Has Proven Ineffective, Condemns Israel’s ‘Deliberate Policy of Using Starvation as a Means of War’/ UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15757.doc.htm
Stressing Planet’s Future Depends on Young People, Secretary-General Urges Transforming Their Education to Shape More Peaceful Tomorrow, in World Youth Skills Day Message/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sgsm22297.doc.htm
Amid Deteriorating Situation in Gaza, Senior Humanitarian Coordinator, Briefing Security Council, Stresses Need for Ceasefire, Unimpeded Delivery of Aid
Delegate Says Resolution 2720 (2023) Has Proven Ineffective, Condemns Israel’s ‘Deliberate Policy of Using Starvation as a Means of War’/UN PRESS RELEASE
https://press.un.org/en/2024/sc15757.doc.htm
Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield to serve as U.S. Head of Delegation to the 2024 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development./USUN
Secretary Antony J. Blinken and Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille Before Their Meeting/ US STATE DEPT.
NATION:
U.S. Is Fully Committed to Ukraine's Defense, Pentagon Official Says.
The United States is fully committed to continuing its support for Ukraine as that country battles for survival in the face of Russian aggression, Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said today./DOD
Providence Businesswoman Arraigned in Federal Court in Alleged Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme Targeting Seniors and Other Vulnerable Victims/DOJ
HUD Approves Settlement with California Housing Providers Resolving Claim of Disability Discrimination
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today it has entered into a Conciliation Agreement between Burbank Housing Management Corporation, Burbank Housing Development Corporation, BHDC Parkwood Apartments, LLC, Oak Ridge Apartments Associates LP, and James Perez, requiring the respondents to pay $41,500 in compensation to the complainant./HUD
https://www.hud.gov/press/press_releases_media_advisories/HUD_No_24_166
DHS Announces $18.2 Million In First-Ever Tribal Cybersecurity Grant Program Awards./DHS
Biden-Harris Administration Approves Ninth Offshore Wind Project
Interior Department has now approved more than 13 gigawatts of offshore wind energy — enough to power nearly 5 million homes/DEPT. of INTERIOR
https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-approves-ninth-offshore-wind-project
BUSINESS:
The Growth and Opportunity Imperative for America
Between now and November’s election, the U.S. Chamber will outline policies that will help us reach the goal of 3% annual real economic growth./US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
https://www.uschamber.com/improving-government/the-growth-and-opportunity-imperative-for-america
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Next Funding Round of $504 Million for 12 Tech Hubs Across America/US COMMERCE DEPT.
U.S. Department of the Treasury Announces New Funding to Support Small Businesses in Tribal Governments as Part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda/US TRESURY DEPT.
https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy2442
Tax pros continue to be targeted by identity thieves; IRS, Security Summit urge continued vigilance against evolving threats as special summer education series, Nationwide Tax Forums begin./IRS
US DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS NEARLY $47M IN GRANTS TO PROVIDE JOBS, TRAINING, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES IN COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY VIOLENCE, POVERTY./DEPT. of LABOR
https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20240702-0
IN FOCUS: State asks boaters to Clean, Drain, Dry to prevent spread of invasive species.
OLYMPIA – The Washington Invasive Species Council and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are asking boaters to “Clean, Drain, and Dry” their boats and equipment this boating season to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species and to protect Washington’s waterways.
“We need your help to protect Washington waters,” said Stephanie Helms, executive coordinator for the Washington Invasive Species Council. “And, the best way for any Washingtonian to help protect our waterways from hitchhiking invasive species is to take simple steps to Clean, Drain and Dry your boat.”
Invasive species, which include aquatic plants and animals, can attach themselves on the surface of a boat, motors, trailers, and other equipment. That includes non-motorized watercraft such as kayaks and inflatable paddleboards, and any equipment that touches the water including boots and waders.
Some aquatic invasive plants, such as Eurasian milfoil, grow quickly and crowd out native species and plants to take over native habitats. The plants can grow so densely that they clog boat engines and can make swimming difficult and unpleasant. Eurasian milfoil is present in much of the state but can be prevented from establishing in new waterbodies by following Clean, Drain, Dry, protocols.
Other devastating invasive species, such as zebra and quagga mussels, are not known to be present in Washington but are high priorities for prevention.
“Quagga and zebra mussels will be a multimillion-dollar problem annually if they are introduced to our lakes and rivers,” said Justin Bush, WDFW’s aquatic invasive species policy coordinator. “They would require expensive and ongoing maintenance at water facilities such as dams, irrigation systems and fish ladders, and could also harm the environment including salmon recovery. It is estimated that the invasive mussels would cost more than $100 million a year just for hydropower and water infrastructure alone."
This July 1, WDFW, the lead state agency for prevention and management of aquatic invasive species in Washington, received $3.6 million in additional state and federal funding to increase monitoring, prevention, and response readiness for quagga and zebra mussels in the Snake and Columbia Rivers, and other watersheds statewide.
These increased efforts are in response to the September 2023 detection of quagga mussels in the Snake River outside Twin Falls, Idaho. More information about the recent increased funding is in WDFW's recent blog post.
“There has never been a more important time to clean, drain, and dry your boat and equipment,” said Bush. “The health of our waters, fisheries, tourism industry, recreational opportunities and statewide economy depends on it.”
Here are simple actions to Clean, Drain and Dry watercraft and equipment:
Clean shoes, waders, life vests, boat hulls and engines, trailers and other equipment by removing all visible plants, algae and mud. Use a stiff-bristled brush to clean equipment.
Drain any accumulated water from boats or gear–including water used in cleaning–before leaving the vicinity.
Let boats or gear fully dry before using again.
More information on the Clean, Drain and Dry campaign and a how-to guide are online.
WDFW inspects boats, kayaks and other watercraft for aquatic invasive species at five watercraft check stations. In 2024, the Department inspected more than 58,000 watercraft and intercepted 25 mussel-fouled watercraft that were cleaned and decontaminated. It is illegal to transport aquatic invasive species from one waterbody to another in Washington. Violators could face a year in jail and $5,000 in fines. More information is available online or by calling 1-888-WDFW-AIS.
“Invasive species do not obey rules, respect laws or property lines,” Helms said. “Which is why we all must work together to protect all that we love in Washington state; together, we can do this.”
To report aquatic invasive species, call 1-888-WDFW-AIS or email ais@wdfw.wa.gov. To report other invasive species, report using the WA Invasives app.
Part of the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, the Washington Invasive Species Council’s mission is to provide policy direction, planning, and coordination to empower those entities engaged in the prevention, detection, and eradication of invasive species. For additional information visit invasivespecies.wa.gov.
CLALLAM COUNTY MEETINGS:
Clallam County Commission work session for 7/8/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07082024-1223
Clallam County Commission meeting for 7/9/24
https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07092024-1224
Sequim City Council meeting for 7/8/24
https://sequimwa.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=119
Forks City Council meet 7/8/24
https://forkswashington.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Agenda-20240708.pdf
Port of Port Angeles Commission meeting for 7/9/24
https://portofpa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Comm-Pkt-7-9.pdf
JEFFERSON COUNTY:
Jefferson County Commission meeting for 7/8/24
https://media.avcaptureall.cloud/meeting/5d81a75e-ce38-4057-9cee-85f1fe09a913
Port of Port Townsend meeting for 7/10/24
https://portofpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-07-10-CommMtg-Agenda.pdf
Weekly devotional
BIBLE VERSE: Matthew 24:35 (New International Version)
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.
Weekly Bible Lesson:
Lazarus and the Rich Man
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the events of Lazarus and the rich man. This is not a parable, but it is a telling of the history of two men. These verses briefly tell of the lives of Lazarus and the rich man and then where they found themselves after they both died. From this we can learn what happens to all of us immediately after death. We can know what to expect when we die. The body can no longer sustain life but it is not the end of the human soul. Both Lazarus and the rich man continue to exist to this day but not here on the earth.--TFTW
https://truthfortheworld.org/lazarus-and-the-rich-man
Free bible studies (WBS)
https://www.worldbibleschool.org/
Learn English using the bible as text (WEI)
http://www.worldenglishinstitute.org/
(Join us in worship every Sunday starting at 10:30AM Church of Christ)
1233 E Front St, Port Angeles, WA 98362
THIS WEEKS VIDEOS
Is America Doomed? How YOU Can Restore Hope & Save the Republic.
There’s a powerful darkness that has stretched its arms all across America. But will that darkness end our nation, or will it instead cause Americans to reach deep down and discover the capabilities we all have to turn our country back to the ideals our Founding Fathers inspired? Four years ago, amid tyrannical COVID policies, Black Lives Matter riots burning down U.S. cities, and D.C. politicians hell-bent on dividing Americans, Glenn invited you to join him virtually for July Fourth at the Standing Rock Ranch in Idaho.
But with the 2024 presidential race in turmoil, an aged and ailing President Joe Biden, and Donald Trump still facing persecution from the Left, today we need answers more than ever before. So join Glenn again this Independence Day as he takes you on a tour through his ranch while using the vast, isolated mountains to teach lessons from history that may give us the answers we need to restore this nation. From Benjamin Franklin’s inspiring words at the Constitutional Convention to George Washington’s position flag and the importance of the song "Amazing Grace," Glenn reminds us all just how sacred America’s land truly is. He’s joined by the Millennial Choirs & Orchestras and David Osmond, who perform beautiful, patriotic songs that help bring these stories from history to life. Like men, we’re refusing to read directions. This time, the directions are the Constitution of the United States. So this Fourth of July, join Glenn to rediscover the steps you can take to restore hope and save the Republic.--Glenn Beck
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e4R3vOwvIw8
Sunday Worship Service 6/30/2024- Four Lakes C. of C
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EX-favL2SCM
NIGHT OWL COMICS
https://pjrnightowlcomics.blogspot.com/
