Guest Entry:
“Weyerhauser owns 70+ acres above the Tenino quarry, and despite possible land erosion and other factors there is no delay in their planning to log the hilltop above Tenino this summer. DNR had ordered a geo-tech study and it came out as a go, so far as I have heard (amazing!). Their full report has not reached the Tenino City Council oddly enough and has caused them to delay. The council sees no benefit to the city to have this done- in fact damage could be possible that will not be covered by Weyerhauser. I attended a city council meeting this week and heard the latest.
The logging company is requesting an easement road permit from the city of Tenino to do this (way cheaper and faster than using their own road). They will cut and immediately sell the land to a developer (they will not be replanting and just want out). Other than this permit, the city has little say-so in this matter. The land is outside city limits.
The lowdown is that the city *has been affected by public comment* (in my opinion the Tenino City Council is more receptive than other councils I have attended) and has scheduled a second public hearing on the subject for February 13th at 7:30 pm. I encourage all Tenino residents to attend and voice their opinion. I think everyone that goes thru Tenino or has visited the gorgeous park there agrees that this would be a sore sight – unfortunately it lies more in DNR’s hands as to stopping logging altogether, but the city easement issue (yes or no) may decide its speed.
I request that you spread the word. The website for the city council of Tenino is: http://www.ci.tenino.wa.us/ I recommend folks visit it to get more accurate information than I may have provided.
If anyone has questions they are free to call me and I can get more information or direct their call. Thank you for your help, Loralin Toney (360)264-7286
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As a business owner in Tenino I have been informed about the issue with Weyerhauser and they have withdrawn their request for a temporary user permit through the city from what I understand at this time. More than that for the moment I want to compliment the city of Tenino’s elected members. They have gone out of their way to listen to their community members no matter who they are. I have witnessed them continually answer questions and keep anyone informed that wishes to be. It is very refreshing top walk up to the mayor or and city council member and have a conversation, offer your input and be listened to.
I also want to thank community members like Loralin of Lumminosity and Kate of Aunt Kates Chocolate for helping keep people informed.
Let this be an example to other local communities.
The Washington State Constitution says
“Article I, Declaration of Rights, Section 1 Political Power states: All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the
consent of the governed, and are established to protect and maintain individual rights.”
This is a powerful Article and yet, is often ignored where the rights and voices of the people are
ignored, too. This then serves as reminder to those in the elected positions of mayor and city council that you derive your “just powers from the consent of the governed.”
Yelm, WA. could use this as a reminder seeing they were awarded the Jefferson Muzzle Award last year which described the city’s
cutting off public interaction on a major issue.
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