IATC’s Advocacy Efforts Pay Off During Difficult Times
Beckler TLT. Photo courtesy of Jim Freeburg.
By Jim Freeburg
The Issaquh Alps Trails Club (IATC) regularly talks with policymakers to protect the Issaquah Alps, and recent advocacy efforts are showing results. A few weeks ago, Governor Bob Ferguson signed state budgets into law, capping off a difficult session as legislators dealt with a $16 billion budget deficit. Given the financial crunch, the operating budgets of land managers like the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and State Parks were cut, but we also had some wins on the land conservation front.
IATC has been a leader in trust land transfer (TLT) advocacy, a conservation tool that has literally reshaped the landscape of the Issaquah Alps. The tool puts land at risk of logging into permanent conservation status. This year, legislators invested $16.9 million in the TLT program at DNR, securing valuable forests near Skykomish, the Olympic Peninsula’s Lake Ozette, and more. While no projects from the Issaquah area were on the shortlist for funding this year, several local projects are in the pipeline and will only move forward with continued strong investment in the TLT program. IATC’s advocacy for TLT ensures that for areas like Tiger Mountain, timber harvests occur in the right places while also protecting ecologically sensitive regions and recreational hotspots.
Beckler TLT. Photo courtesy of Jim Freeburg.
West Tiger Mountain Natural Resource Conservation Area (NRCA) owes much of its existence to the TLT program—it is one of the original TLT projects from the early 1990s and 2000s and a model for other conservation projects. Earlier this year, a transfer of land at Soderman Creek was finalized—fulfilling a conservation vision set in motion by Harvey Manning and others over 30 years ago, thanks to persistent advocacy by IATC and partners who ensured local legislators followed through.
Trust land transfer funding was a success, in part due to its place in the state’s capital budget, which is responsible for construction and land acquisition. The capital budget did not have the same strain as the operating budget, which funds ongoing programs and services. Unfortunately, funding for DNR’s outdoor recreation maintenance and operations backlog was slashed by 25 percent. As you may have heard, the legislature increased the cost of the Discover Pass to make up for this cut, but it will not cover the entire shortfall. IATC’s President Kelly Jiang testified in front of the House Appropriations Committee in April about this issue, urging legislators to provide sufficient funding for outdoor recreation and conservation at DNR. Details of this funding cut are still being worked out, but we should not expect DNR facilities at Tiger Mountain, Raging River, and nearby areas to be at peak form over the next few years.
IATC President and Advocacy Chair Kelly Jiang testifying virtually in front of the House Appropriations Committee. Photo courtesy of Jim Freeburg.
It is important to understand this mixed bag for public lands. While the state can continue to make investments in securing land for conservation, there is still a significant unmet need for the ongoing stewardship of public land. Creative thinking is necessary to figure out the path forward, and trust land transfer is one of those answers. In fact, this year’s four TLT projects will go to Tribes for conservation, meaning the Tribal recipients will be responsible for the ongoing stewardship of the land—not state taxpayers. It’s truly a win-win for everyone.
As we look ahead, IATC is continuing conversations with DNR and policymakers to ensure that there are sufficient funds for stewarding the places we love. It is not quick, simple, or easy work, but it’s necessary and effective.
Learn more about IATC’s history of advocacy and current initiatives.
Jim Freeburg is a professional lobbyist focused on making life better for his two young daughters, specifically around health care and land conservation. He’s a lifelong Washingtonian who now lives in Renton. He loves to run around Cougar Mountain, take his oldest daughter skiing at Snoqualmie or row on Lake Washington. He’s also a board member of the Mountains to Sound Greenway and lends a hand with some health care advocacy organizations.