Posts
We thought it would be a freezing cold day in the deep, deep South before we would find ourselves on the same side of an issue as property rights activist Chuck Cushman. It turns out it was just a seasonably cool June day in the Woodland Bottoms.
The issue is whether the Army Corp of Engineers should intimidate a family of local farmers with the threat of eminent domain. The Corps want the Colf family to sell them some of their land for the purpose of either dumping spoils from dredging the Columbia shipping channel, or mitigating the damage that that dumping will do to wildlife habitat.
The issue is complex. The Corps, local port authorities and state government all have a role to play in the negotiations. At stake are wildlife habitat, local farmland and a shipping channel that serves the ports and which happens to serve apple and wheat farmers east of the mountains who would like to export more of their produce to Asia. It is a Machievellian dream. The opportunities to divide and conquer are nearly endless.
Mr. Cushman has weighed in on the issue in the past few weeks in editiorials and full page advertisements in the Battle Ground Reflector. He is urging voters to contact their Port Commissioners and voice their support for preservation of prime farm land and family farms. This is a first step with which we wholeheartedly agree.
Unfortunately, it appears to us from his most recent editorial that Mr. Cushman's interest is more in dividing and conquering, than in helping work toward a satisfactory solution to the matter.
Mr. Cushman would like to place the blame at Governor Gregoire's feet in an election year. He accuses Gregoire of not supporting farmers and supporting the use of eminent domain to take their land. He states, "If the ports don't use eminent domain, The Governor Gregoire will try to take the land and get the blame."
You see, the property rights movement supports the right of any landowners to do what they please on their land regardless of the consequences for other people or the environment, without interference from government. This movement is generously funded by large resource extraction companies who would like to be able to poison the ground and surface waters that farmers depend on to water their crops and livestock. They would allow mineral right owners to continue the practices of destroying the land of the surface owning farmers with minimal compensation, and without restoring the land to its former productive capacity.
So it doesn't surprise us that the goal here is to defeat a Governor who might control that activity, rather than work with that Governor to save farmland.
And so we offer Mr. Cushman this challenge. Engage the considerable resources of your organization toward working with the Corps, the ports, farm organizations and state government to find a workable solution to this problem. Do so and we will regard you as friend of the farmer. Refuse the challenge and at least these two humble farmers will continue to regard you as our lifelong opponent.
As for our fellow voters, we urge you to contact your port commissioners, Governor Gregoire, your Congressional delegation and President Bush and ask them to quit this kind of political game and sit down together to find a solution that will save wildlife habitat AND prime local farmland.
Diane & Jim Hunter
greens@huntersgreens.com
Hunter's Greens CSA
Friday, June 27, 2008
Jim Hunter's Back!
Here's an editorial piece sent to me by my favorite farmer/philosopher/activists, Jim & Diane Hunter of Hunter's Greens CSA. Give it a read...
This letter was submitted to the Battle Ground Reflector on June 16, 2008
Dear Editor,
Does property rights activist Chuck Cushman really want to save the family farm, or is he just playing an election year game of pin the "tale" on the donkey? His Colf Farm editorial (June 11) appears to suggest the latter: "If the ports don't use eminent domain, then Governor Gregoire will try to take the land and get the blame." Note that this strategy does nothing to solve the problem, but only re-assigns blame. As farmers, we aren't suprised by this shell game. The property rights movement has historically been generously funded by mining companies who seek to strip farmers' land of coal without restoring it to productivity, or threaten our livestock wells with cyanide from heap leach mines.To Mr. Cushman and his movement we offer the following challenge. Join the humble voters of our community and engage your considerable resources toward bringing together the Port Commissioners, the Governor, our Congressional Delegation and the President, who all share jurisdiction in this matter. Ask them to stop playing political games and find a solution that saves farmland AND wildlife habitat. A parcel of land can surely be both. After all, the first and only time these farmers have seen sandhill cranes was in another farmer's field in the Woodland Bottoms.With or without the property rights movement it is time for producers and consumers of local food to act now to save our precious farmland. Write your elected officials.
For more information on this issue visit huntersgreens.com or clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com.
Jim and Diane Hunter
This letter was submitted to the Battle Ground Reflector on June 16, 2008
Dear Editor,
Does property rights activist Chuck Cushman really want to save the family farm, or is he just playing an election year game of pin the "tale" on the donkey? His Colf Farm editorial (June 11) appears to suggest the latter: "If the ports don't use eminent domain, then Governor Gregoire will try to take the land and get the blame." Note that this strategy does nothing to solve the problem, but only re-assigns blame. As farmers, we aren't suprised by this shell game. The property rights movement has historically been generously funded by mining companies who seek to strip farmers' land of coal without restoring it to productivity, or threaten our livestock wells with cyanide from heap leach mines.To Mr. Cushman and his movement we offer the following challenge. Join the humble voters of our community and engage your considerable resources toward bringing together the Port Commissioners, the Governor, our Congressional Delegation and the President, who all share jurisdiction in this matter. Ask them to stop playing political games and find a solution that saves farmland AND wildlife habitat. A parcel of land can surely be both. After all, the first and only time these farmers have seen sandhill cranes was in another farmer's field in the Woodland Bottoms.With or without the property rights movement it is time for producers and consumers of local food to act now to save our precious farmland. Write your elected officials.
For more information on this issue visit huntersgreens.com or clarkfoodfarm.blogspot.com.
Jim and Diane Hunter
Home Sewn Re-usable Grocery Shopping Bag Workshop
Home Sewn Re-usable Grocery Shopping Bag Workshop Sponsored by the Vancouver Food Cooperative
Date: Saturday, July 12th
Time: 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Clark County Genealogical Society,
717 Grand Boulevard, Vancouver
(one block south of Mill Plain, behind the International Air Academy)
Instructors: Barbara and Dotty of Columbia River Sewing, the Portland, Oregon, chapter of the American Sewing Guild.
Contact: Carol, caframe8...@yahoo.com
Required Materials: 3/4 yard of fabric/recycled cloth suitable for a carrying bag, 30-inch by 45-inch minimum size. Your fabric should be flat, ironed, for easy handling.
Optional Materials: Rulers/tapes, scissors, pins, sewing machine Skill Required: Beginners welcome Class size is limited to 20, so preregistration is required. There is no charge for this class. There will be some sewing machines provided for those who are not able to bring a machine. You are encouraged to bring your own if you wish to do so.
Beginner or expert, join us as we learn how to recycle cloth into a practical usable new item. Help the earth, eliminate plastic bags (and save that plastic tree!)
Vancouver Food Cooperative - Share the vision, buy a share
Date: Saturday, July 12th
Time: 1:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Clark County Genealogical Society,
717 Grand Boulevard, Vancouver
(one block south of Mill Plain, behind the International Air Academy)
Instructors: Barbara and Dotty of Columbia River Sewing, the Portland, Oregon, chapter of the American Sewing Guild.
Contact: Carol, caframe8...@yahoo.com
Required Materials: 3/4 yard of fabric/recycled cloth suitable for a carrying bag, 30-inch by 45-inch minimum size. Your fabric should be flat, ironed, for easy handling.
Optional Materials: Rulers/tapes, scissors, pins, sewing machine Skill Required: Beginners welcome Class size is limited to 20, so preregistration is required. There is no charge for this class. There will be some sewing machines provided for those who are not able to bring a machine. You are encouraged to bring your own if you wish to do so.
Beginner or expert, join us as we learn how to recycle cloth into a practical usable new item. Help the earth, eliminate plastic bags (and save that plastic tree!)
Vancouver Food Cooperative - Share the vision, buy a share
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Clark County Farm Tour This Weekend
Summer Solstice in the Country
June 21st, 10am-3pm
Brush Prairie, WA
FREE!
Get out into the countryside. Visit three farms on a short loop through colorful Brush Prairie. Conveniently located between Vancouver and Battle Ground. Each farm showcases unique offerings:
Scented Acres, 360-921-9737, lavender and goats
Half Moon Farm, 360-514-9223, plants, honey, and chickens
Garden Delights, 360-892-4479, herbs, horses, and veggies
June 21st, 10am-3pm
Brush Prairie, WA
FREE!
Get out into the countryside. Visit three farms on a short loop through colorful Brush Prairie. Conveniently located between Vancouver and Battle Ground. Each farm showcases unique offerings:
Scented Acres, 360-921-9737, lavender and goats
Half Moon Farm, 360-514-9223, plants, honey, and chickens
Garden Delights, 360-892-4479, herbs, horses, and veggies
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Vendors Wanted @ Battle Ground Farmers Market
Battle Ground Farmers Market has moved to our new surroundings at the Battle Ground Village. We are in the courtyard within the village and have room for more produce vendors! Pleasant upscale surroundings, not your typical venue. Directions-from East Main take a right on to Grace and a left onto Rassmussen, drive up two blocks in to the village and you will see the charming courtyard.
From 503 take a right (or left) onto 199th heading east, take a left on to Grace and a right on to Rassmussen, drive in two blocks to your right, and there is the courtyard. Hours 9-3 every Saturday through October 18th.
For more information see www.battlegroundfarmersmarket.org or call 360 576-9767
From 503 take a right (or left) onto 199th heading east, take a left on to Grace and a right on to Rassmussen, drive in two blocks to your right, and there is the courtyard. Hours 9-3 every Saturday through October 18th.
For more information see www.battlegroundfarmersmarket.org or call 360 576-9767
CSA Subscriptions Available
I am not in any way associated with the poster of this craigslist ad or the farm, just wanted to pass it along...
Organic CSA Opportunity (Vancouver)
Reply to: sale-715623536@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-10, 9:13PM PDT
Hey everyone, there is a certified organic farm down in Sandy, OR who is offering a CSA opportunity for $105/month (just under $25/week) for the next three months (starting the first week in July). They will give you about a fruit crate's worth of veggies (some eggs and honey in the mid-season too!) every week (I was told to plan to be able to feed 2-3 people, but maybe more). You could take any extra organic veggies, eggs, or honey and save it for the winter, or give it to neighbors/friends/co-workers, etc.
The reason I have posted this ad is because they have agreed that if 5 people in Vancouver sign up, they will make a new drop point for us here in Vancouver over where Mill Plain crosses I-205. I have 3 people so far (including myself). You can contact Debbie or David at 503-320-2995 or www.nworganicfarms.com for more information about the farm, and let me know if you want to sign up so I can coordinate the drop-off point here in Vancouver! I figure I'll be forced to eat healthier this way and save some money on eating out and buying organics at the same time.
Location: Vancouver
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Organic CSA Opportunity (Vancouver)
Reply to: sale-715623536@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-10, 9:13PM PDT
Hey everyone, there is a certified organic farm down in Sandy, OR who is offering a CSA opportunity for $105/month (just under $25/week) for the next three months (starting the first week in July). They will give you about a fruit crate's worth of veggies (some eggs and honey in the mid-season too!) every week (I was told to plan to be able to feed 2-3 people, but maybe more). You could take any extra organic veggies, eggs, or honey and save it for the winter, or give it to neighbors/friends/co-workers, etc.
The reason I have posted this ad is because they have agreed that if 5 people in Vancouver sign up, they will make a new drop point for us here in Vancouver over where Mill Plain crosses I-205. I have 3 people so far (including myself). You can contact Debbie or David at 503-320-2995 or www.nworganicfarms.com for more information about the farm, and let me know if you want to sign up so I can coordinate the drop-off point here in Vancouver! I figure I'll be forced to eat healthier this way and save some money on eating out and buying organics at the same time.
Location: Vancouver
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
Thursday, June 5, 2008
NW Redworms Composting Class (Vermicompost)
The folks at NW Redworms are hosting a vermiculture/verimicompost class. If you're interested in composting, dramatically improving the health of your garden or farm soil, and you can't hardly stand the thought of paying big buck for tiny bags of worm castings, then this is an excellent opportunity...AND IT'S ONLY $15!! If nothing else, I recommend that you at least check out the NW Redworms web site, peruse what might be the widest selection of worm bin compost containers available anywhere, and see what the fuss is all about.
Redworm Compost (Vermicompost) Class
I have enjoyed meeting many of my customers and now friends in the process of getting them started on composting. I have given many facility tours while answering questions, due to a lack of time I can no longer do that for each customer. So, I have created this class for those who want to: I will be posting additional information on my website www.northwestredworms.com under vermicompost class. Don't let springtime catch you unprepared for your gardening fun. Also check out the Giant pumpkin contest.
Learn about composting organic waste, types of compost, types of compost systems and how they work the use and benefits of composting and using redworms, soil biology, worm biology setting up a compost system, building up your compost and harvesting your product.
This Seminar will include approximately one hour of instruction, visual displays, handouts, a facility tour, and time for questions. About two hours total time. There is room for 10 adults (sorry no minors).
The meeting location will be at the "In The Woods Cat Chalet" at 806 NE 202 Ave, Camas WA 98607. The cost is $15 per person. If you wish to attend you may call (360-513-7251) or email to reserve your seat. Credit card payments are accepted through PayPal and by phone. Seats are paid for in advance (non refundable unless cancelled 3 days prior to class date or the class is cancelled).
I will be posting additional information on my website www.northwestredworms.com under vermicompost class. Don't let springtime catch you unprepared for your gardening fun. Also check out the Giant pumpkin contest.
Northwest Redworms
806 NE 202 Ave, Camas WA 98607
360-513-7251
To go to our website to sign up follow this link http://northwestredworms.com
Redworm Compost (Vermicompost) Class
I have enjoyed meeting many of my customers and now friends in the process of getting them started on composting. I have given many facility tours while answering questions, due to a lack of time I can no longer do that for each customer. So, I have created this class for those who want to: I will be posting additional information on my website www.northwestredworms.com under vermicompost class. Don't let springtime catch you unprepared for your gardening fun. Also check out the Giant pumpkin contest.
Learn about composting organic waste, types of compost, types of compost systems and how they work the use and benefits of composting and using redworms, soil biology, worm biology setting up a compost system, building up your compost and harvesting your product.
This Seminar will include approximately one hour of instruction, visual displays, handouts, a facility tour, and time for questions. About two hours total time. There is room for 10 adults (sorry no minors).
The meeting location will be at the "In The Woods Cat Chalet" at 806 NE 202 Ave, Camas WA 98607. The cost is $15 per person. If you wish to attend you may call (360-513-7251) or email to reserve your seat. Credit card payments are accepted through PayPal and by phone. Seats are paid for in advance (non refundable unless cancelled 3 days prior to class date or the class is cancelled).
I will be posting additional information on my website www.northwestredworms.com under vermicompost class. Don't let springtime catch you unprepared for your gardening fun. Also check out the Giant pumpkin contest.
Northwest Redworms
806 NE 202 Ave, Camas WA 98607
360-513-7251
To go to our website to sign up follow this link http://northwestredworms.com
Meadow Tilth Farm Ad from Craigslist 6-3-08
Sorrel, Greek Oregano, Sunchokes, Asters flowering more - $1
(Near Costco and Home Depot)
Reply to: sale-707013611@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-03, 11:51PM PDT
Our methods are organic*, almost biodynamic, permaculture. Healthy soil, remineralized, use filtered water for our garden. Compost and composted manure from organically fed chickens. Glacial rock dust for mineral enrichment/replenishment.
Blue grape Hyacinths. Perenial bulb $1 each
Sorrel - lovely perennial green that has a sour lemon flavor -- great for salads, green smoothies and sandwiches. small starts $2.00
Greek Oregano -- herb, small starts $1.00
Sunchokes 1-2 foot tall $3 each
Locust tree -- 15' tall in laarge pot - $80.00
Asters large bunch about 10" tall 2 years old.
Perennial bulbs $30
Parsnips in pots $2.00
Bare root parsnips dug fresh for you $1.00 each.Parsnips are edible roots, can be juiced and great when mixed with potatoes to mild them out. Parsnips also break up clay fairly well. If they are small or crooked then they may be woody. Let it go to seed and it will reseed itself. They are easy to weed out if you get too many the next year.
(Near Costco and Home Depot)
Reply to: sale-707013611@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-06-03, 11:51PM PDT
Our methods are organic*, almost biodynamic, permaculture. Healthy soil, remineralized, use filtered water for our garden. Compost and composted manure from organically fed chickens. Glacial rock dust for mineral enrichment/replenishment.
Blue grape Hyacinths. Perenial bulb $1 each
Sorrel - lovely perennial green that has a sour lemon flavor -- great for salads, green smoothies and sandwiches. small starts $2.00
Greek Oregano -- herb, small starts $1.00
Sunchokes 1-2 foot tall $3 each
Locust tree -- 15' tall in laarge pot - $80.00
Asters large bunch about 10" tall 2 years old.
Perennial bulbs $30
Parsnips in pots $2.00
Bare root parsnips dug fresh for you $1.00 each.Parsnips are edible roots, can be juiced and great when mixed with potatoes to mild them out. Parsnips also break up clay fairly well. If they are small or crooked then they may be woody. Let it go to seed and it will reseed itself. They are easy to weed out if you get too many the next year.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
"Sustainable Vancouver" Presentation TODAY!
The Vancouver Planning Commission Presents "Sustainable Vancouver"
A First Tuesday Presentation
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
4 to 6 p.m.
Vancouver City Hall, Council Chambers
210 E. 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
The City of Vancouver and members of the Green Ribbon Panel will provide an overview of the City of Vancouver's Sustainability planning process; its Greenhouse Gas Inventory; a general overview of sustainability; its joint study with Clark County and the U.S. Green Building Council to identify Regulatory Barriers to Living Building Challenge standard residences (Beyond LEED Platinum); and upcoming Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference, Trade Show and GreenFest - July 10, 11, and 12th.
Intended only for informational purposes - No policy decisions will be made
Open to the Public
Please RSVP Terry Lenhart @ 360-487-7955 terry.lenhart@ci.vancouver.wa.us
Replay Dates on CVTV Channel 21: Wednesday, June 4th, 10:00am; Thursday, June 5th, 7:00am; Tuesday, June10th, 7:00am Channel 23: Friday, June 6th, 2:00am; Wednesday, June 11th, 9:30pm
A First Tuesday Presentation
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
4 to 6 p.m.
Vancouver City Hall, Council Chambers
210 E. 13th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
The City of Vancouver and members of the Green Ribbon Panel will provide an overview of the City of Vancouver's Sustainability planning process; its Greenhouse Gas Inventory; a general overview of sustainability; its joint study with Clark County and the U.S. Green Building Council to identify Regulatory Barriers to Living Building Challenge standard residences (Beyond LEED Platinum); and upcoming Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference, Trade Show and GreenFest - July 10, 11, and 12th.
Intended only for informational purposes - No policy decisions will be made
Open to the Public
Please RSVP Terry Lenhart @ 360-487-7955 terry.lenhart@ci.vancouver.wa.us
Replay Dates on CVTV Channel 21: Wednesday, June 4th, 10:00am; Thursday, June 5th, 7:00am; Tuesday, June10th, 7:00am Channel 23: Friday, June 6th, 2:00am; Wednesday, June 11th, 9:30pm
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
CHEESEMAKING CLASS THIS SATURDAY
The Clark County Dairy Goat Association is pleased to offer a cheese making class with the talented Northwest Cheese Maker, Mary Rosenblum, as our instructor. This class will focus on Blue Cheese. The class includes informational handouts, up-close observation, cheese sampling and a light lunch. We will be offering a selection of cheese making supplies for sale.
Saturday, May 31st at 11am
CASEE Center, Bldg B11104
NE 149th Street, Brush Prairie, Washington
$15/person - pre-registration(or sign up for an annual membership for CCDGA for $15, and get in to classes the rest of the year for free)
Call Candy for RSVP and info: 360-687-3259
Saturday, May 31st at 11am
CASEE Center, Bldg B11104
NE 149th Street, Brush Prairie, Washington
$15/person - pre-registration(or sign up for an annual membership for CCDGA for $15, and get in to classes the rest of the year for free)
Call Candy for RSVP and info: 360-687-3259
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Clark County Permaculture Event Tonight!
NatureScaping SW Washington
Greetings!
You may have seen this announcement in our April e-newsletter, but just in case you missed it:
There will be a lecture on Permaculture Basics, May 13th at 6:30PM at WyEast auditorium. This lecture is co-sponsored by NatureScaping, the Master Gardener Foundation, WNPS and Naturally Beautiful Backyards and it is free to the public! Our guest speaker will be author Toby Hemenway.
You may register at naturescaping.org http://www.naturescaping.org/classes.php
However, doors will open at 6:15 and please arrive on time, because even though you may be registered, seats cannot be saved and the auditorium only holds 300 people! This will be a popular event!
See MapQuest link for a map. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/1112+SE+136th+Ave+Vancouver+WA+98683/
Also, right here in Vancouver we have an example of permaculture living and organic gardening on a city lot. The next FREE tour is May 31st from 1:30PM -3PM. To register, please call Bev Doty at 360-574-1343 or email bevesalt@pacifier.com
See you Tuesday night!
Sherry Lambert
360-687-0686
Volunteer & Events Coordinator
sherry@naturescaping.org
Greetings!
You may have seen this announcement in our April e-newsletter, but just in case you missed it:
There will be a lecture on Permaculture Basics, May 13th at 6:30PM at WyEast auditorium. This lecture is co-sponsored by NatureScaping, the Master Gardener Foundation, WNPS and Naturally Beautiful Backyards and it is free to the public! Our guest speaker will be author Toby Hemenway.
You may register at naturescaping.org http://www.naturescaping.org/classes.php
However, doors will open at 6:15 and please arrive on time, because even though you may be registered, seats cannot be saved and the auditorium only holds 300 people! This will be a popular event!
See MapQuest link for a map. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/1112+SE+136th+Ave+Vancouver+WA+98683/
Also, right here in Vancouver we have an example of permaculture living and organic gardening on a city lot. The next FREE tour is May 31st from 1:30PM -3PM. To register, please call Bev Doty at 360-574-1343 or email bevesalt@pacifier.com
See you Tuesday night!
Sherry Lambert
360-687-0686
Volunteer & Events Coordinator
sherry@naturescaping.org
Thursday, May 1, 2008
FYI
Farm land for lease (Salmon Creek)
Reply to: sale-661745643@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-04-29, 9:46PM PDT
Five Acres of farm land for lease on Seward Rd. $100.00 per acre
Location: Salmon Creek
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUSTAINABLE GREEN HOUSES AND FARMLAND FOR LEASE (vancouver)
Reply to: sale-663021244@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-04-30, 8:04PM PDT
SUSTAINABLE GREEN HOUSES AND FARMLAND FOR LEASE
We have 1 possibly 3 green houses and farmland for lease.
Please e-mail for more info.
Reply to: sale-661745643@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-04-29, 9:46PM PDT
Five Acres of farm land for lease on Seward Rd. $100.00 per acre
Location: Salmon Creek
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interests
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUSTAINABLE GREEN HOUSES AND FARMLAND FOR LEASE (vancouver)
Reply to: sale-663021244@craigslist.org
Date: 2008-04-30, 8:04PM PDT
SUSTAINABLE GREEN HOUSES AND FARMLAND FOR LEASE
We have 1 possibly 3 green houses and farmland for lease.
Please e-mail for more info.
Putting Meat on The Table: Industrial Farm Animal Production in America
The following is an excerpt of an AP article. The article pertains to a final summation of a 2 1/2 year study by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production. I realize that this report is merely justifying what many of you have been preaching for years, but it's always nice to have more facts on your side. Interesting note about this report is it's recommendation of some form of disease-monitoring program that allows rapid traceback of animals....NAIS anyone?
Pew Commission Says Industrial Scale Farm Animal Production Poses “Unacceptable” Risks to Public Health, Environment
(Washington, DC – April 29, 2008) The current industrial farm animal production (IFAP) system often poses unacceptable risks to public health, the environment and the welfare of the animals themselves, according to an extensive 2½-year examination conducted by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP), in a study released today.
Commissioners have determined that the negative effects of the IFAP system are too great and the scientific evidence is too strong to ignore. Significant changes must be implemented and must start now. And while some areas of animal agriculture have recognized these threats and have taken action, it is clear that the industry has a long way to go.
Read the rest of the article here:
http://www.ncifap.org/
You can also read a summary of the report here:
http://www.ncifap.org/_images/PCIFAP%20EXECUTIVE%20SUMMARY.pdf
Or the full report here:
http://www.ncifap.org/_images/PCIFAP%20FINAL%20REPORT.pdf
Pew Commission Says Industrial Scale Farm Animal Production Poses “Unacceptable” Risks to Public Health, Environment
(Washington, DC – April 29, 2008) The current industrial farm animal production (IFAP) system often poses unacceptable risks to public health, the environment and the welfare of the animals themselves, according to an extensive 2½-year examination conducted by the Pew Commission on Industrial Farm Animal Production (PCIFAP), in a study released today.
Commissioners have determined that the negative effects of the IFAP system are too great and the scientific evidence is too strong to ignore. Significant changes must be implemented and must start now. And while some areas of animal agriculture have recognized these threats and have taken action, it is clear that the industry has a long way to go.
Read the rest of the article here:
http://www.ncifap.org/
You can also read a summary of the report here:
http://www.ncifap.org/_images/PCIFAP%20EXECUTIVE%20SUMMARY.pdf
Or the full report here:
http://www.ncifap.org/_images/PCIFAP%20FINAL%20REPORT.pdf
Interesting Clark County Rural Initiative Essay
The following is a letter written to the Reflector by Rich Carson. Mr. Carson also maintains an excellent web site, "Common Sense", which contains a collection of informative and entertaining essays he has written on the subject of and/or related to planning and community development.
The Problem with the Rural Initiative
by Rich Carson, former Planning Director for Clark County and a resident of Hockinson
The Board of Clark County Commissioners recently announced that they have decided to delay its rural planning program until after this November’s election. The obvious question for the voter is, “Why is this program so politically sensitive that the board doesn’t want to talk about it before the election?”
The so-called “rural comprehensive plan” program is to be a two-year review of rural land uses that could shrink minimum lot sizes, enlarge the county’s seven rural centers, and find ways to improve the viability of rural resource activities in timber, agriculture and mining. So why wait for an election?
The public relations answer was that since Commissioner Marc Boldt is up for election, it would be prudent to wait for the outcome, the theory being that a new commissioner might not think the rural initiative is a good thing to pursue. The problem with this answer is that the other two commissioners are committed to the rural initiative no matter what the election outcome is.
Many property owners in the rural area have long waited for this promised initiative in the hope that they could reduce their minimum lot sizes, in terms of rural zoning, and create more rural residential lots. As the former planning director for the county, I know that (1) the commissioners have promised many rural land owners that a new day is coming in terms of rural land development, and (2) the board knows that it would face an insurmountable legal challenge in allowing more rural lots.
The problem is that in the process of separating urban from rural planning in the 2007 comprehensive plan process, the board of county commissioners transferred the future rural land development potential to the urban area. Unfortunately, no one told the rural land owners that “the cupboard was bare.” And that certainly is not a very good message to deliver to the voters of a very rural district before an election.
The facts are these:
·The 1994 comprehensive plan acknowledged that population trends in the county had historically been 80 percent urban and 20 percent rural area, and they planned for that.
·The 2004 comprehensive plan update validated that the urban-rural population split had historically continued at 80 percent urban and 20 percent rural.
·As part of the 2004 comprehensive planning process, I asked for an unofficial estimate of how much capacity the rural area had in terms of allocating population to the rural area. The answer was that there were enough vacant, buildable lots to accommodate an estimated 40,000 people. And at 20 percent the land supply matched the population demand exactly.
·But in the 2007 comprehensive plan, the board adopted a policy that allocates land for the future population at 90 percent urban and 10 percent rural, and at 10 percent, the 2007 comprehensive plan artificially projected the rural population need to be only 19,000 people.
So the obvious question is, “Why did the board of county commissioners cut the rural land allocation in half?” The answer is they wanted more people to live in the urban area. That is their right as our elected representatives. However, it is also our right, as rural land owners, to question the wisdom of their ignoring reality in favor of inflating the urban growth boundary.
Unfortunately, the historic demand for rural property is actually increasing nationally. According to the 2000 Census, more people are moving into the rural area than in the past. There are several reasons for this. First, technology now allows people to access the Internet and television programming via DSL and satellite. Second, more and more people are telecommuting. The advent of Internet access means that people can spend part or all of their time working from home with full access to their organization’s computer data bases. Third, people can now do business over the Internet from their rural home and have their purchases or business documents delivered to their home by UPS, FedEx or the Postal Service.
The board should have addressed the rural land issue as part of the 2007 comprehensive plan update process. That would have solved any legal issues and forced a discussion about what was a fair urban/rural allocation. However, their decision to separate the urban versus rural land questions has effectively and legally closed the door to that possibility. Even county’s planning staff noted that they were going to have to be careful of running afoul of the Growth Management Act.
I applaud the board of commissioners for taking a hard look at how they can improve land use activities in the rural area. It is important to find ways to make rural resource activities such as farming, forestry and mining operations, more economically viable. They can also look at making changes to rural centers in terms of allowing different commercial and employer uses. However, they also need to be upfront with rural property owners that there is no possibility of increased rural residential development. It is no longer a realistic legal option. The only way to create more rural land development capacity is through the comprehensive plan update process – which won’t happen again for probably at least five years. The lessons to be learned from this experience are:
(1) that it is never a good thing to ignore historical fact as a matter of public policy, and
(2) that a “comprehensive” review of the county’s land use must include a discussion with urban and rural property owners at the same time. Rural landowners should not be put in the position of being second class citizens.
The Problem with the Rural Initiative
by Rich Carson, former Planning Director for Clark County and a resident of Hockinson
The Board of Clark County Commissioners recently announced that they have decided to delay its rural planning program until after this November’s election. The obvious question for the voter is, “Why is this program so politically sensitive that the board doesn’t want to talk about it before the election?”
The so-called “rural comprehensive plan” program is to be a two-year review of rural land uses that could shrink minimum lot sizes, enlarge the county’s seven rural centers, and find ways to improve the viability of rural resource activities in timber, agriculture and mining. So why wait for an election?
The public relations answer was that since Commissioner Marc Boldt is up for election, it would be prudent to wait for the outcome, the theory being that a new commissioner might not think the rural initiative is a good thing to pursue. The problem with this answer is that the other two commissioners are committed to the rural initiative no matter what the election outcome is.
Many property owners in the rural area have long waited for this promised initiative in the hope that they could reduce their minimum lot sizes, in terms of rural zoning, and create more rural residential lots. As the former planning director for the county, I know that (1) the commissioners have promised many rural land owners that a new day is coming in terms of rural land development, and (2) the board knows that it would face an insurmountable legal challenge in allowing more rural lots.
The problem is that in the process of separating urban from rural planning in the 2007 comprehensive plan process, the board of county commissioners transferred the future rural land development potential to the urban area. Unfortunately, no one told the rural land owners that “the cupboard was bare.” And that certainly is not a very good message to deliver to the voters of a very rural district before an election.
The facts are these:
·The 1994 comprehensive plan acknowledged that population trends in the county had historically been 80 percent urban and 20 percent rural area, and they planned for that.
·The 2004 comprehensive plan update validated that the urban-rural population split had historically continued at 80 percent urban and 20 percent rural.
·As part of the 2004 comprehensive planning process, I asked for an unofficial estimate of how much capacity the rural area had in terms of allocating population to the rural area. The answer was that there were enough vacant, buildable lots to accommodate an estimated 40,000 people. And at 20 percent the land supply matched the population demand exactly.
·But in the 2007 comprehensive plan, the board adopted a policy that allocates land for the future population at 90 percent urban and 10 percent rural, and at 10 percent, the 2007 comprehensive plan artificially projected the rural population need to be only 19,000 people.
So the obvious question is, “Why did the board of county commissioners cut the rural land allocation in half?” The answer is they wanted more people to live in the urban area. That is their right as our elected representatives. However, it is also our right, as rural land owners, to question the wisdom of their ignoring reality in favor of inflating the urban growth boundary.
Unfortunately, the historic demand for rural property is actually increasing nationally. According to the 2000 Census, more people are moving into the rural area than in the past. There are several reasons for this. First, technology now allows people to access the Internet and television programming via DSL and satellite. Second, more and more people are telecommuting. The advent of Internet access means that people can spend part or all of their time working from home with full access to their organization’s computer data bases. Third, people can now do business over the Internet from their rural home and have their purchases or business documents delivered to their home by UPS, FedEx or the Postal Service.
The board should have addressed the rural land issue as part of the 2007 comprehensive plan update process. That would have solved any legal issues and forced a discussion about what was a fair urban/rural allocation. However, their decision to separate the urban versus rural land questions has effectively and legally closed the door to that possibility. Even county’s planning staff noted that they were going to have to be careful of running afoul of the Growth Management Act.
I applaud the board of commissioners for taking a hard look at how they can improve land use activities in the rural area. It is important to find ways to make rural resource activities such as farming, forestry and mining operations, more economically viable. They can also look at making changes to rural centers in terms of allowing different commercial and employer uses. However, they also need to be upfront with rural property owners that there is no possibility of increased rural residential development. It is no longer a realistic legal option. The only way to create more rural land development capacity is through the comprehensive plan update process – which won’t happen again for probably at least five years. The lessons to be learned from this experience are:
(1) that it is never a good thing to ignore historical fact as a matter of public policy, and
(2) that a “comprehensive” review of the county’s land use must include a discussion with urban and rural property owners at the same time. Rural landowners should not be put in the position of being second class citizens.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
2nd Annual SW WA Sustainability Conference
From the Conference Web Site:
The 2008 Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference and Trade Show, set for July 10-12, at the LEED-certified Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Conference Center will inspire, engage and challenge you to reach for higher levels of ethical stewardship and ecological, economic and social success. Thought-provoking speakers from across the country will share global knowledge and practical experience during two full days with three separate tracks focusing on climate, commerce and community. In addition, this year's Sustainability Conference and Trade Show also will feature a public festival, Saturday, July 12, with free workshops and activities designed to engage everyone in learning and making day-to-day practices more sustainable.
Who should attend the 2008 Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference and Trade Show?
Anyone interested in creating a more sustainable future will be interested in attending. Professionals engaged in the built environment, design, building, commercial business, retail business, industry, transportation, energy, natural resources, environmental services, community services, social equity, diversity, government policy, education, and just plain living will especially find the speakers and topics relevant, inspiring and motivational.
For more info visit the conference web site:
http://www.cityofvancouver.us/conference/main.htm
The 2008 Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference and Trade Show, set for July 10-12, at the LEED-certified Vancouver Hilton Hotel and Conference Center will inspire, engage and challenge you to reach for higher levels of ethical stewardship and ecological, economic and social success. Thought-provoking speakers from across the country will share global knowledge and practical experience during two full days with three separate tracks focusing on climate, commerce and community. In addition, this year's Sustainability Conference and Trade Show also will feature a public festival, Saturday, July 12, with free workshops and activities designed to engage everyone in learning and making day-to-day practices more sustainable.
Who should attend the 2008 Southwest Washington Sustainability Conference and Trade Show?
Anyone interested in creating a more sustainable future will be interested in attending. Professionals engaged in the built environment, design, building, commercial business, retail business, industry, transportation, energy, natural resources, environmental services, community services, social equity, diversity, government policy, education, and just plain living will especially find the speakers and topics relevant, inspiring and motivational.
For more info visit the conference web site:
http://www.cityofvancouver.us/conference/main.htm
Friday, April 11, 2008
Rosemattel CSA Open House
Rosemattel's CSA Open House
Rosemattel's CSA producer - (Vancouver, Washington)
Rosemattel's CSA 2008 open house invites the public to see what our farm is all about. Mini tours, visit the hens, learn about what is growing and demonstrations while await you! Featuring local vendors and food samples to boot!
Start Date:
May 24, 2008
End Date:
May 25, 2008
Start Time:
10:00 AM
End Time:
4:00 PM
Organized by:
Rosemattel's CSA producer
Address:
10311 NE 72nd Ave
Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone:
360 576-9767
Rosemattel's CSA producer - (Vancouver, Washington)
Rosemattel's CSA 2008 open house invites the public to see what our farm is all about. Mini tours, visit the hens, learn about what is growing and demonstrations while await you! Featuring local vendors and food samples to boot!
Start Date:
May 24, 2008
End Date:
May 25, 2008
Start Time:
10:00 AM
End Time:
4:00 PM
Organized by:
Rosemattel's CSA producer
Address:
10311 NE 72nd Ave
Vancouver, WA 98686
Phone:
360 576-9767
Nothing Like Homegrown!
Grow Your Own Cooking Herbs
Garden Delights - (Brush Prairie, Washington)
Join Garden Delights for a fun evening class on how to grow culinary herbs. We will begin with the herb garden, learning about growing culinary herbs. Learn where and when to plant perennial and annual herbs, how to and when to pick and dry them for future use. You will also get to take home an herb plant to get your garden growing.Class will be located at the Firstenberg Community Center Trapedero Lounge. Registration opens April 18th online (go here: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/index.asp) or you can phone in your registration beginning April 22nd by calling 360-487-7001.
Date:
May 14, 2008
Start Time:
6:30 PM
End Time:
8:30 PM
Organized by:
Garden Delights
Web site:
www.gardendelights.mysite.com
Address:
Firstenberg Community Center - 700 NE 136th AvenueVancouver, WA 98684
Phone:
360-487-7001 (to register)
Garden Delights - (Brush Prairie, Washington)
Join Garden Delights for a fun evening class on how to grow culinary herbs. We will begin with the herb garden, learning about growing culinary herbs. Learn where and when to plant perennial and annual herbs, how to and when to pick and dry them for future use. You will also get to take home an herb plant to get your garden growing.Class will be located at the Firstenberg Community Center Trapedero Lounge. Registration opens April 18th online (go here: http://www.cityofvancouver.us/parks-recreation/index.asp) or you can phone in your registration beginning April 22nd by calling 360-487-7001.
Date:
May 14, 2008
Start Time:
6:30 PM
End Time:
8:30 PM
Organized by:
Garden Delights
Web site:
www.gardendelights.mysite.com
Address:
Firstenberg Community Center - 700 NE 136th AvenueVancouver, WA 98684
Phone:
360-487-7001 (to register)
Farm-to-Table Workshop
SAVE THE DATE!
Farm-to-Table Workshop
Clark County
Connecting Local Producers with Local Buyers...because LOCAL business is BETTER business
April 21st, 2008, 1-4pm
4600 Se Columbia Way
Farm-to-Table Workshop
Clark County
Connecting Local Producers with Local Buyers...because LOCAL business is BETTER business
April 21st, 2008, 1-4pm
4600 Se Columbia Way
Farmers, rancher and artisan producers:
Learn what buyers are looking for when selecting food for their business. Come, share your experiences selling locally, learn about new ideas and strategies for overcoming old problems, and mingle with other producers and local buyers.
Chefs, caterers, and grocery store representatives:
Producers need your advice and input when growing, raising and/or developing their products. Come, connect with local farmers and discover new products for your business.
To register or for more information, please contact Mark McIntyre at farmtotable2008 (at) gmail (dot) dom
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
A New Farmers Market in East Clark County
Conveniently serving our east county residents and providing a much needed east side outlet for our local farmers and producers, I am pleased to introduce the newly established Camas Farmers Market! Thanks Carren!
Announcing: The Inaugural Season for the Camas Farmers Market
Camas Farmers Market invites prospective vendors for a tour of the downtown on April 8th, 2008. Lunch will be provided at Around the Table. Come be our guest and see how Camas Farmers Market can be a part of your marketing plan in 2008. Please RSVP to Carren Senn Walker at 360.838.1032. We are seeking vendors who grow produce in a sustainable fashion, individuals who produce food products from the farm, and individuals who produce sustainable fish, meat, and cheese. We are also considering a few concessioners who support the goals of the market.
We are seeking farmers to join our market for the 2008 season. The market opens May 17th and runs through October 4th. Each Saturday the market will be open from 9am to 1pm. The market will feature music, chef demonstrations, and full marketing support. This market will be agriculturally based and designed to meet the needs of farmers. For years citizens of Camas have been asking for a local market. The vital and pleasant shopping district of downtown Camas provides perfect ambience for a thriving market.
Applications are available at camasfarmersmarket.org
Announcing: The Inaugural Season for the Camas Farmers Market
Camas Farmers Market invites prospective vendors for a tour of the downtown on April 8th, 2008. Lunch will be provided at Around the Table. Come be our guest and see how Camas Farmers Market can be a part of your marketing plan in 2008. Please RSVP to Carren Senn Walker at 360.838.1032. We are seeking vendors who grow produce in a sustainable fashion, individuals who produce food products from the farm, and individuals who produce sustainable fish, meat, and cheese. We are also considering a few concessioners who support the goals of the market.
We are seeking farmers to join our market for the 2008 season. The market opens May 17th and runs through October 4th. Each Saturday the market will be open from 9am to 1pm. The market will feature music, chef demonstrations, and full marketing support. This market will be agriculturally based and designed to meet the needs of farmers. For years citizens of Camas have been asking for a local market. The vital and pleasant shopping district of downtown Camas provides perfect ambience for a thriving market.
Applications are available at camasfarmersmarket.org
By the Bottle is Turning Two!!
Get on out and taste some great beer, say howdy to Dave and Arlene, and check out the BEST selection of craft brews around. I'm proud to say that I've been a loyal customer since the day they opened. Happy Birthday Numero Dos and best wishes for many, many more!!
Here's the scoop:
By the Bottle is very happy to announce our 2nd Anniversary as Vancouver's premier bottle shop. Come and celebrate with us at a special Belgian beer tasting event and experience some of the world's most distinguished beers.
When: Saturday, March 15, 2008
Where: By the Bottle, 104 W. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660, 360-696-0012
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Tasting Fee: $5.00 Cash only, please
Parking: Free, ok to park in the lot across the street
Must be 21 years old to sample, valid photo ID required
By the Bottle opened on March 17, 2006 with only 99 different brands available...true story. Even with such a limited offering, there still wasn't any other place in town with any meaningful selections of local, regional and imported beer. It was clear from day one, that local residents needed a bottle shop of their very own.
Today, over 1,000 different brands have been available for your tasting pleasure. THANK YOU so very much for your continued support of our efforts to supply you with your favorites and new finds. It's been our pleasure to serve you for the past two years and we look forward to more beer adventures in 2008.
Web Site
Here's the scoop:
By the Bottle is very happy to announce our 2nd Anniversary as Vancouver's premier bottle shop. Come and celebrate with us at a special Belgian beer tasting event and experience some of the world's most distinguished beers.
When: Saturday, March 15, 2008
Where: By the Bottle, 104 W. Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660, 360-696-0012
Time: 5pm to 8pm
Tasting Fee: $5.00 Cash only, please
Parking: Free, ok to park in the lot across the street
Must be 21 years old to sample, valid photo ID required
By the Bottle opened on March 17, 2006 with only 99 different brands available...true story. Even with such a limited offering, there still wasn't any other place in town with any meaningful selections of local, regional and imported beer. It was clear from day one, that local residents needed a bottle shop of their very own.
Today, over 1,000 different brands have been available for your tasting pleasure. THANK YOU so very much for your continued support of our efforts to supply you with your favorites and new finds. It's been our pleasure to serve you for the past two years and we look forward to more beer adventures in 2008.
Web Site
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