The 2024 election is coming up and I’m asking that you consider a vote for Dave Upthegrove for state Commissioner of Public Lands.
One of Upthegrove’s signature plans is to defer harvest of nearly 77,000 acres of legacy forests within the trust lands in lieu of harvesting younger parcels in the short term and buying, over the long term, private timber lands at risk of conversion.
That would help satisfy part of the state’s mission of restoring 10 percent to 15 percent of its legacy forests over the next 50 years.
It would also help secure a sustainable climate.
And he’s committed to funding for essential services, especially in rural communities.
As head of the Department of Natural Resources, the state’s lead wildland firefighting agency, Upthegrove will protect our communities and keep our forests healthy and fire resistant.
He has the endorsement of the Washington Firefighters.
Upthegrove is not accepting campaign contributions from the timber industry.
Jamie Herrera Beutler is, and she made the Washington Conservation Action Dirty Dozen’s list of the worst candidates for conservation and environmental justice on the 2024 ballot.
She is strongly anti-choice and opposes our state’s Climate Commitment Act.
Upthegrove is a true public servant, demonstrated by his service as chair of the King County Council for 10 years and, before that, in the Legislature for 12 years, where he chaired the House Environment Committee.
He plans to work together with all parties to find solutions that protect our public lands and climate, and support our economic future.
Cyndy Bratz
Port Townsend