Mike Anderson of The Wilderness Society wrote a great article for Wildlands CPR's quarterly journal, The Road RIPorter, highlighting the amazing work being done in the Skokomish Watershed with Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation funding. Anderson's piece is the cover story of the Fall edition of the journal and thoroughly explains just how the Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Initiative has helped to restore this critical watershed. Read the full article here:
The coalition that makes up the Washington Watershed Restoration Initiative held a press/field tour this past Tuesday in the Skokomish watershed in Washington. Congressman Norm Dicks joined the tour along with members of WWRI and several reporters. At least three separate news stories resulted from the tour, and Congressman Dicks' presence was greatly appreciated by WWRI members. The news stories highlighted both the resource benefits and job creation that are part of the Legacy Roads and Trails Program. Links to the stories are posted below and the individual storie
It's becoming clear that the Legacy Roads program is gaining significant national support and publicity. From Western Governors and the U.S. Council of Mayors writing to Secretary Vilsack in support of the program, organizations from across the political spectrum are voicing their support. Now add thirty two Trout Unlimited offices to the list. In a great show of grassroots' support for the program, thirty two independent Trout Unlimited organizations have signed a letter in support of the Legacy Roads program.
In October of 2009, the Washington Watersheds Restoration Initiative coalition was awarded the "Rise to the Future - Public Awareness Award" from the Forest Service's National Aquatics Program. This national award recognizes the outstanding work and dedication of the member groups that make up the WWRI. In December of 2009, several coalition members travelled to Washington DC to receive the award. Sue Gunn, the coalition's Director, gave a presentation to the award committee about WWRI's work and the Legacy Roads Program. For 2010, Congress appropriated $90 million f
In December 2009, we received the 2010 Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Allocations for each region in the national forest system. We are thrilled to report that total funding for 2010 will be $90 million!!! This is the same amount as 2008 and 2009 combined. Region 6, the Pacific Northwest Region, which covers Washington and Oregon forests was the big winner, receving $19.1 million!! With over 90,000 miles of roads in the region - almost one quarter of all the forest roads in the country - this money is desperately needed. We'll be keeping o
At the tail end of 2009, two prominent political bodies, the Western Governors Association (WGA) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) each sent letters to the USDA extolling watershed restoration, the Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Initiative, and "Right-Sizing" the Forest Road System.
The dirt is finally moving. After months of advocacy, planning, and scoping, the machines are here. True, we don't usually like to see dump trucks and bulldozers amid the beauty of our national forests--but there are exceptions. In this case, the heavy machinery, under the guidance of the Skagit River System Cooperative, will be restoring damaged habitat in the Suiattle watershed not far from Darrington. Once completed, the water will flow like it used to, and the old road, now closed and much overgrown, will serve as an unmaintained trail.
Ever wonder how a road is restored or removed? Watch this slideshow from Wildlands CPR and find out.
Pacific Rivers Council's Chris Frissell and Ecology's Stephen Bernath speak with Lukas Velush of the Everett Herald. Read the full story here.
Funds to target crumbling forest roads that harm clean water and salmon habitat
