The Washington Department of Natural Resources is working to put all of their manageable eggs into a few baskets. The agency is looking to trade about 7,700 acres of Washington Public Lands for about 19,000 acres of land via Plum Creek Timber Company. Another deal with Port Blakely Tree Farms may not be far behind that includes land just west of Winlock and Vader.
A large portion of that trade would come right out of our Western Lewis County back yard, an area already anemic with public lands. Local residents use that land to ride horseback, hunt and explore, especially in these lean times where driving to the east county for such play becomes a major financial decision.
There are many questions besides the emotional loss of publicly owned land in Lewis County. First off, why would Plum Creek and Port Blakely trade so much land for so little. We are talking about 19,000 acres which has had “low to moderate harvest over the last five years” according to Robin L. Keegan, a media contact for Plum Creek Timber Company. One can only surmise that the value of the resources on the 7,700 acres of DNR land make up for the difference. What is the condition of the land the Citizens of Washington will gain? Are we now in the business of taking harvested land and rehabilitating it?
The second question that comes to mind is why the Lake Creek holdings just west of Winlock? The Department of Natural Resources states that it wants to have its holdings centralized for more efficient management. Are there and thoughts about the people who use those lands?
Currently, two proposed land swaps effect Lewis County residents. The largest would swap 7,700 acres (including 2,155 from Lewis County) for 19,000 acres in King County’s Green River Watershed. The area also happens to be the City of Tacoma’s watershed. That means more public land for King County and less for Lewis. A smaller deal with Port Blakely would exchange 4,000 acres of DNR and Trust lands for an unspecified amount of acreage in eastern Gray’s Harbor County that borders the Capital Forest. Our neighboring Lake Creek area is in the proposed Port Blakely swap.
To complicate the matter further, many of the lands included in these proposed swaps are trust lands owned by Lewis County dating back to the 1930s and are managed by the DNR. Lewis County Commissioners are watching closely as those lands contribute anywhere from $3 million to $16 million to local coffers , but DNR insists they have the final say. Is DNR swapping lands owned by Lewis County?
While DNR officials intend to establish alternative trust lands within the county, it would be dealt for on an “equal value basis” not necessarily an equal amount of acreage.
The deals are complicated and should not be taken and approved at face value. Both sides state repeatedly that they intend to make their lands easier to manage through consolidation. Plum Creek and Port Blakely answer to their stockholders in a simple fashion. The role of the DNR is not quite so clear, but they should be answering all of the interests of its stakeholders.
Meetings regarding these proposals will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 9 at 6:00pm, at the Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis. A public input meeting on the Port Blakely exchange will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at the Lewis County Law and Justice Center in Chehalis.
Showing posts with label Lewis County Washington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lewis County Washington. Show all posts
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Evergreen Playhouse Performs “The Solid Gold Cadillac”
Note...this is an article I wrote for the Town Crier newspaper. My editor chose not to run it in the latest edition.
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Who would have thought that a play, written in 1953 could serve as a parody for current events in 2008. Such is the case of “The Solid Gold Cadillac” originally penned by Howard Teichmann and George S. Kaufman. This corporate take on the Cinderella story is a endearing production hosted by the Evergreen Playhouse and Directed by D. Douglas Lukascik.
Lukascik admits that his background with the play was less than romantic. “When I was born, my mom bought a television” he said of the way movies have played a big part in his experience in the theater.
The story centers around the Board of Directors of “General Products” who are putting the squeeze on shareholders and quickly chipping away at corporate ethical standards using 13 local actors. In addition, they fully expect contracts and favoritism from 39 year business veteran and former GP Board Director Edward L. McKeever (played by Michael Rust). He took an advisory position at the Pentagon and is in prime position to sweeten the General Products bottom line. Much to the chagrin of the GP Board, members, he is determined to play by the rules in Washington.
The General Products Board of Directors include T. John Blessing ton (Marke Pendleton), Clifford Snell (Paul Gisi), Warren Gille (Dean Phillips), Alfred Metcalf (Fred Brattin along with Mrs. Laura Partridge (played by Theresa Hilliard.
The Board of Directors include T. John Blessington (Mark Pendleton), Alfred Metcalf (Fred Brattin), Warren Gillie (Dean Phillips) and Clifford Snell (Paul Gisi). They have many humorous moments and situations that boarder on slapstick. The character of Snell makes the audience want to begin a chorus of hisses at times for his brutal tactics to keep the situation comfortable.
The production has many clever moments including an ironic line or two by McKeever about life in Washington. “If you are not honest here, they catch you” he described of his experience in D.C.
Edward L. McKeever played by Michael Rust trades theatrical scenes with Mrs. Laura Partridge played by Theresa Hilliard in “The Solid Gold Cadillac”.
“Cinderella” appears in the form of Mrs. Laura Partridge (played by Theresa Hilliard), an owner of 10 shares of General Products Stock and causes several chaotic and sensational circumstances while trying to be an advocate for the “little stockholder”
The Evergreen Playhouse is located at 226 W. Center Street in Centralia. The Solid Gold Cadillac started on October 24th and will be playing Friday, October 31st, Sat. November 1st and Sunday, November 3rd as well as the following weekend of November 7th, 8th and 9th. Friday and Saturday performance begin at 8:00pm while Sunday’s feature at special matinee performance at 2:00pm.
Tickets are available at Book & Brush in Downtown Chehalis and Sterling Savings in Centralia, Santa Lucia Coffee Roasters in addition to the Evergreen Playhouse. They are $15 for evening performances and $10 for afternoon shows.
In addition, on Wednesday, November 5th, a special “Pay What You Will” performance will start at 7:30pm.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Who would have thought that a play, written in 1953 could serve as a parody for current events in 2008. Such is the case of “The Solid Gold Cadillac” originally penned by Howard Teichmann and George S. Kaufman. This corporate take on the Cinderella story is a endearing production hosted by the Evergreen Playhouse and Directed by D. Douglas Lukascik.
Lukascik admits that his background with the play was less than romantic. “When I was born, my mom bought a television” he said of the way movies have played a big part in his experience in the theater.
The story centers around the Board of Directors of “General Products” who are putting the squeeze on shareholders and quickly chipping away at corporate ethical standards using 13 local actors. In addition, they fully expect contracts and favoritism from 39 year business veteran and former GP Board Director Edward L. McKeever (played by Michael Rust). He took an advisory position at the Pentagon and is in prime position to sweeten the General Products bottom line. Much to the chagrin of the GP Board, members, he is determined to play by the rules in Washington.
The General Products Board of Directors include T. John Blessing ton (Marke Pendleton), Clifford Snell (Paul Gisi), Warren Gille (Dean Phillips), Alfred Metcalf (Fred Brattin along with Mrs. Laura Partridge (played by Theresa Hilliard.The Board of Directors include T. John Blessington (Mark Pendleton), Alfred Metcalf (Fred Brattin), Warren Gillie (Dean Phillips) and Clifford Snell (Paul Gisi). They have many humorous moments and situations that boarder on slapstick. The character of Snell makes the audience want to begin a chorus of hisses at times for his brutal tactics to keep the situation comfortable.
The production has many clever moments including an ironic line or two by McKeever about life in Washington. “If you are not honest here, they catch you” he described of his experience in D.C.
Edward L. McKeever played by Michael Rust trades theatrical scenes with Mrs. Laura Partridge played by Theresa Hilliard in “The Solid Gold Cadillac”.“Cinderella” appears in the form of Mrs. Laura Partridge (played by Theresa Hilliard), an owner of 10 shares of General Products Stock and causes several chaotic and sensational circumstances while trying to be an advocate for the “little stockholder”
The Evergreen Playhouse is located at 226 W. Center Street in Centralia. The Solid Gold Cadillac started on October 24th and will be playing Friday, October 31st, Sat. November 1st and Sunday, November 3rd as well as the following weekend of November 7th, 8th and 9th. Friday and Saturday performance begin at 8:00pm while Sunday’s feature at special matinee performance at 2:00pm.
Tickets are available at Book & Brush in Downtown Chehalis and Sterling Savings in Centralia, Santa Lucia Coffee Roasters in addition to the Evergreen Playhouse. They are $15 for evening performances and $10 for afternoon shows.
In addition, on Wednesday, November 5th, a special “Pay What You Will” performance will start at 7:30pm.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Take a Ride on the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad
Finding a train to ride in this area is not a difficult endeavor. Finding one under one of the northwest’s most famous mountain peaks is just an extra step. There are three prominent tourist steam railroads in our area. The Chehalis-Centralia Steam Train presents a look at railroading history in Western Lewis County. In Amboy, the Chelatchie Prairie Railroad offers an excursion from Yacolt to Lucia with a 30 minute stop at Moulton Falls State Park in Northern Clark County.
Thanks or no thanks to the storms of November 2006 and a damaged trestle over the Nisqually River, the Eastern Lewis County community of Mineral is now the full-time host of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad.
Mt. Rainier looms behind the open air viewing car of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's excursion train.
Today, we rode this excursion train because some of our best friends gave the four of us a gift certificate as their guests.
According to volunteer Conductor Brain Brundridge, the Mineral location, although more complicated to find over the Elbe station along Highway 7 in Pierce County, has no shortage of railroad ridership. “We get a lot from the local campgrounds” he said of the lakeside facilities next to the renowned Mineral Lake. It generally runs from about 120 to 140 people per excursion but has been as high as 210. The previous route from Elbe to Morton featured a stop in Mineral, but not an opportunity for all of the guests in Mineral to get on board. There are now two trips scheduled each Saturday and one on Sunday. A 2:00pm trip scheduled for Thursday afternoons is powered by historic diesel power and may be subject to special group reservation.
Volunteer Conductor Brian Brundridge, stationed at the front of the train, is the “eyes” for his engineer as the locomotive pushes the train from behind.
Might I say, there is a lot more scenic in the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad then the Elbe -Mineral Route which featured farms and backyards along much of the route. The new route goes south out of Mineral toward Morton through mature forests, open meadows and adjacent to rivers and wetlands. On the far southern end of the excursion, you are dramatically backed over an impressive, curving trestle that spans a deep canyon of the Tilton River. Regardless, if you had ridden the Mt. Rainier before, the current route should not be missed. The next couple of months may be the last opportunity as the repair of the Nisqually crossing is anticipated to be complete this October.
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad excursion train crosses the “trestle” between Mineral and Morton.
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a non-profit, preservation organization disguised as a tourist railroad. It is more like a group of steam railroad enthusiasts bent on preserving railroad history and allowing the public to enjoy it. There are about 35 volunteers and four full-time employees that keep the operation running despite taking mother nature’s best punches each year in a time of skyrocketing liability and insurance costs.
To get to the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad, drive to Mineral on Highway 7 about 14 miles north of Morton. Once there, turn left from Mineral Hill Road, or go straight on Front St. (This is the road that passes the Lions Club campground.). There are some signs pointing the way, and we were glad that we were familiar with the area. About a mile north of Mineral, the train will be in an open meadow on your left. You can buy tickets on site, online or at the station in Elbe off of Highway 7. Adult tickets are $20 with seniors and military receiving a discount. Kids are $15.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad locomotive #17 is the main power for weekend scenic and historic excursions out of Mineral.
The mix of riders on the train was intriguing! Young families with children, groups of adults and senior citizens not to mention tourists from all over the world that stumbled on to a little piece of Americana in Eastern Lewis County. What is important is that the fares continue preservation of a bygone era display. Not your average weekend adventure!
Thanks or no thanks to the storms of November 2006 and a damaged trestle over the Nisqually River, the Eastern Lewis County community of Mineral is now the full-time host of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad.
Mt. Rainier looms behind the open air viewing car of the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad's excursion train.Today, we rode this excursion train because some of our best friends gave the four of us a gift certificate as their guests.
According to volunteer Conductor Brain Brundridge, the Mineral location, although more complicated to find over the Elbe station along Highway 7 in Pierce County, has no shortage of railroad ridership. “We get a lot from the local campgrounds” he said of the lakeside facilities next to the renowned Mineral Lake. It generally runs from about 120 to 140 people per excursion but has been as high as 210. The previous route from Elbe to Morton featured a stop in Mineral, but not an opportunity for all of the guests in Mineral to get on board. There are now two trips scheduled each Saturday and one on Sunday. A 2:00pm trip scheduled for Thursday afternoons is powered by historic diesel power and may be subject to special group reservation.
Volunteer Conductor Brian Brundridge, stationed at the front of the train, is the “eyes” for his engineer as the locomotive pushes the train from behind.Might I say, there is a lot more scenic in the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad then the Elbe -Mineral Route which featured farms and backyards along much of the route. The new route goes south out of Mineral toward Morton through mature forests, open meadows and adjacent to rivers and wetlands. On the far southern end of the excursion, you are dramatically backed over an impressive, curving trestle that spans a deep canyon of the Tilton River. Regardless, if you had ridden the Mt. Rainier before, the current route should not be missed. The next couple of months may be the last opportunity as the repair of the Nisqually crossing is anticipated to be complete this October.
The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad excursion train crosses the “trestle” between Mineral and Morton.The Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad is a non-profit, preservation organization disguised as a tourist railroad. It is more like a group of steam railroad enthusiasts bent on preserving railroad history and allowing the public to enjoy it. There are about 35 volunteers and four full-time employees that keep the operation running despite taking mother nature’s best punches each year in a time of skyrocketing liability and insurance costs.
To get to the Mt Rainier Scenic Railroad, drive to Mineral on Highway 7 about 14 miles north of Morton. Once there, turn left from Mineral Hill Road, or go straight on Front St. (This is the road that passes the Lions Club campground.). There are some signs pointing the way, and we were glad that we were familiar with the area. About a mile north of Mineral, the train will be in an open meadow on your left. You can buy tickets on site, online or at the station in Elbe off of Highway 7. Adult tickets are $20 with seniors and military receiving a discount. Kids are $15.
Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad locomotive #17 is the main power for weekend scenic and historic excursions out of Mineral. The mix of riders on the train was intriguing! Young families with children, groups of adults and senior citizens not to mention tourists from all over the world that stumbled on to a little piece of Americana in Eastern Lewis County. What is important is that the fares continue preservation of a bygone era display. Not your average weekend adventure!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Scenes from the “Pretty Boy Fire”
The media is full of major wildfires these days and sure, millions of people live in places that are affected by smoke or adjacent to actual flames, but by far, the majority of all forest fires are small pieces of nothing incidents.
A firefighter wets down a "hot spot" on the "Pretty Boy Fire". Mt Rainier looms in the background.Take for instance, the “Pretty Boy Fire” in Eastern Lewis County today. The IC (Incident Commander) arrived on scene and saw flames. This was a first for her. She has been quarantined in a wet part the Washington coastal foothills where the most excitement in her firefighting career has been extinguishing warm dirt. She received a career boost as she climbed the ladder of experience in wildland firefighting. It was all good.
A vast number of wildfires are small and insignificant. In the ranks of wildland firefighting, somebody has to fight those, and who says that school is not in session?
Sunday, July 13, 2008
My New Camera
About three weeks ago, I bought my first major camera. The newspaper has been supplying me enough photography business that I thought it would not only be a good business investment, but I really wanted one!
I bought a Canon Xti Rebel body and then purchased a Tamron 28-300mm zoom lens. It is far more complicated than I thought to run. But I am beginning to learn a few tricks. My first photos were embarrassingly washed-out in the backgrounds.
The jury is still out on the lens. I have not had much time to put it on a tri-pod and play with the longer zoom lengths or exposures.
One thing I can't do is set the camera on automatic. The background will wash out. I am turning back the aperture a couple of spots and I get true colors.
I still have quite a bit to learn regarding depth of field. The one thing that I have not figured out how to do is take photos of flowers and such. I don't believe this lens will allow it. I suppose that I will be in the market for a wide-angle 28mm lens soon.
The photos are from a newspaper job yesterday at Toledo Cheese Days.
I bought a Canon Xti Rebel body and then purchased a Tamron 28-300mm zoom lens. It is far more complicated than I thought to run. But I am beginning to learn a few tricks. My first photos were embarrassingly washed-out in the backgrounds.
The jury is still out on the lens. I have not had much time to put it on a tri-pod and play with the longer zoom lengths or exposures.
One thing I can't do is set the camera on automatic. The background will wash out. I am turning back the aperture a couple of spots and I get true colors.
I still have quite a bit to learn regarding depth of field. The one thing that I have not figured out how to do is take photos of flowers and such. I don't believe this lens will allow it. I suppose that I will be in the market for a wide-angle 28mm lens soon.
The photos are from a newspaper job yesterday at Toledo Cheese Days.
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