Washington state is one of only two states in the country that directly elects the person who manages our public natural resources. The Commissioner of Public Lands works year around to manage forests, coastal and marine waters, and watersheds. Air, drinking water, climate, fisheries, fire protection — are all part of the responsibilities of the office. The Environment is directly on the ballot especially this year with Initiative 2117 putting at risk help for rural areas and vulnerable communities to deal with the impacts of climate. Over 100 people died from the heat dome in June 2021; we lost 2 people in Jefferson County, not to mention hospitalizations and economic damage to fisheries, infrastructure and transportation. Atmospheric rivers and fire — we know we have both in our area — are devastating resources, communities and families. Washington state universities climate action research groups tracking health and economic impacts from climate recommend forested land cover to meet the environmental challenge. Voters can hold the Commissioner directly accountable for policies and actions that affect our climate — like forest cover that directly helps lower heat, keeps watersheds cool for fisheries and drinking water. Washington’s Constitution requires that our public lands are managed to benefit “all the people,” not timber interests alone. The Washington Supreme Court affirmed that duty in 2022.

The Commissioner leads the Department of Natural Resources, an agency whose work force needs support, leadership and a new direction to meet the rapidly changing times. Jaime Herrera Beutler, while in U.S. Congress intervened to dramatically increase timber harvests and reduce funding to agencies charged with federal public land management and regulation. It is our decision. Vote Upthegrove for Commissioner of Public Lands for rational economic and reasonable scientific management of the environment and “No” on Initiative 2117.

Patricia Jones

Quilcene