Dear Sky Valley Residents,
SVENA stands for Skykomish Valley Environmental & Economic Alliance. Our mission is to protect an environmentally and economically sustainable future of the Skykomish River Valley. We are working towards a safer, cleaner, healthier, more beautiful and economically sustainable place to live, work and visit. You can find more information at our website svena.org.
SVENA does not affiliate with any political party but supports candidates who have similar goals and vision.
Contents:
- EPA and toxic chemicals
- Toxic spraying 2018: ground spraying by DNR, and aerial spraying by Weyerhaeuser
- Alternatives to toxic chemicals for yard and lawn
- Reiter Foothills Public Forum next meeting is May 23, 7 pm
- Wallace Falls State Park CAMP/Long-term planning next meeting is in May
- The latest FPAs (Forest Practice Applications) for Skykomish River Valley
- As you might know, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves chemicals for use. It does not mean that those chemicals are safe for people or the environment. In many cases, the testing done to register a chemical was insufficient. Testing done for the EPA was on the “active” ingredient only, not the full formulation of the pesticide, or on multiple pesticides used together, as they often are in forestry. Testing was often done only for “acute toxicity” (i.e. will exposure lead to death instantly or soon?). There are many data gaps in the testing, regarding the chemical may cause longer term effects, such as cancers, genetic damage, birth defects, hormone disruption, etc.
“The EPA has only banned 9 chemicals out of thousands”, Business Insider 2-10-2016
2. Herbicide ground spraying 2018 on public lands by DNR (Department of Natural Resources): Summary of DNR Silviculture Contracts, DNR Ground Herbicide Contract 1724 and Maps, July 16 – September 14, 1998 ac total for Northwest Region, 214 ac for Sky Valley. Some of ingredients include Glyphosate, Imazapyr, Tryclopir, Sulphometuron Methyl, Metsulphuron Methyl.
More toxic herbicide aerial spraying is coming to Sky and Stilli Valleys. New spray FPAs (Forest Practice Applications) are by Weyerhaeuser for spring 2018 in Sky Valley for 146 acres including 70 acres in the Gold Bar area, and in Stilli Valley for 443 acres. Some of ingredients include Atrazine, Clopyralid, Hexazinone, Indaziflam.
For more information please contact:
DNR Northwest Region 360-856-3500 northwest.region@dnr.wa.gov
Emily Conkin 360-424-2014, emily.conkin@weyerhaeuser.com
Wes Worden wes.worden@weyerhaeuser.com
Travis Ridgway travis.ridgway@weyerhaeuser.com
Contact List for Press and Elected
What to do before, during and after toxic aerial spraying
- Toxic chemicals can impact people’s health, especially children and pregnant women. Pesticides can drift in air and water, contaminate private and public drinking water sources, and negatively affect non-targeted plants, animals, and people.
Please do not use rat poison as its poisonous pellets may be attractive and harmful to small children. It can kill pets and wildlife, and the predators that eat the poisoned rodents (leading to more rodents, in the long term, due to fewer predators!). To prevent entry by rats and mice, seal holes inside and outside buildings. Keep areas clean and free of crumbs and water. Seal food in rodent-proof containers. Use snap-traps instead of baits whenever possible. Keep the traps indoor where wildlife such as birds and other non-targeted animalswon’t become accidental victims of the traps. In extreme cases, call a qualified professional.
FLYER PDF “ALTERNATIVES TO PESTICIDES”
| Alternatives | |
| Herbicides such as Roundup (Glyphosate) and 2,4-D | Manually pull weeds, wilt with boiling water or steam, or mix and spray 1 gal. vinegar, 1 cup Epsom salts, ¼ cup Dawn dish detergent directly on leaves of targeted plants. Use caution. |
| Moss in lawns | Please consider moss as an economical ground cover. To keep moss out, maintain a healthy lawn. More information: Taking Care of Your Lawn Without Using Pesticides |
| Dandelion | Please consider keeping all or some for bees and pollinators. If control is needed, see suggestions under Alternatives to Herbicides. |
| Blackberry | Use goats or cut / mow vines to the ground, dig out roots. |
| Insects | Seal cracks and holes, wipe surfaces, remove clutter. More information: Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Pests |
More information for alternatives to toxics:
> Tips for Weeds, Lawns and Landscaping
> Taking Care of Your Lawn Without Using Pesticides
> Tips for Indoor and Outdoor Pests
> Pesticide and Herbicide Factsheets
> Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP)
6. It takes only a couple of minutes to check the latest FPAs for Sky Valley (Forest Practice Applications) and more information about FPAs. We encourage that you look out for your neighborhood and watershed in terms of logging, toxic chemical spraying and trash that can affect your health and safety as well as those of your family. The value of your property and business depend on your vigilance. More info is in three simple steps for becoming an FPA reviewer.
If you are concerned, you can also call the timber companies (Contacts for Toxic Sprays), government agencies and elected officials (https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials), ask questions and express your worries. Write letters to the editor of your local newspaper, contact TV and radio, tell your neighbors and community about the proposed spray, share information on social media, etc. Please be proactive and creative, but also respectful and non-confrontational. Call timber companies and ask to be notified between 3 days to 2 weeks in advance about future dates of pesticide spraying (including aerially and ground-applied herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and/or fertilizers). Not many people know that toxic aerial spraying happens in Sky Valley but would be concerned if they knew. Most importantly, keep yourself and your family safe. Contact info, What to do before, during and after toxic aerial spraying, More info.
Photo courtesy of Sky Valley Photography
SVENA is working to bring a substantial value and benefit to the Skykomish Valley. Please support our efforts and visit SVENA website, become a sponsor or a member, join our Facebook Group, or simply click on a “Like” button at our Facebook page. Please spread the word, share this page with your family, friends and neighbors, let us know if you have questions / economic, public health or environmental concerns, interesting facts, photos, if you would like to add someone to the mailing list or to opt out of receiving SVENA updates.
Warm regards,
Inessa Pearce
President
SVENA (Skykomish Valley Environmental & Economic Alliance)
svena.org
Welcome to SVENA! 