Post by: huntrights on March 02, 2012, 07:11:22 PM
The animated video in the other post (http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php?topic=93536.msg1198934;topicseen#new) is a behind-the-scenes satire of the No Shooting Zone Ordinance we’re STILL fighting in Thurston County, Washington. Although amusing, there may be a lot of truth to it.
We are battling this ordinance right now. These restrictive types of ordinances can spread like wildfire unless we stand up for our rights and push back. Most people don’t have any idea that these ordinances are being written and enacted. Pay close attention to your County Commissioners; they are the people that do this.
Attached is a PDF of the proposed ordinance [link is at the bottom of this post (20120209_TCNSZ.5th draft.pdf) below the line] that will be presented by the Thurston County Resource Stewardship Department to the Thurston County Board of County Commissioners for review and decision on what their next step will be. The current schedule for this (open to the public) briefing is:
Thursday, April 5, 2012, at 3pm at the Thurston County Courthouse, Building 1, room 280 (upstairs). Parking can be tough. If carpooling, just have the driver drop folks off in front of Building 1, and then if they need to park in the Red Lion parking lot around the corner, you can sign in on the lists outside the door.
Check their Master Schedule if you plan on attending; they may change their schedule. No public comment will be allowed at this briefing, but it would good for all who oppose this ordinance to show up and write on the sign-up sheet that they oppose this ordinance. You can hear for yourselves what the Commissioners have to say. Your presence can be very influential.
This is not just a Thurston County, Washington issue; it has already happened in Kitsap County and Island County. Once these ordinances are enacted, they can be easily expanded and made more restrictive (i.e. simple zoning changes). Even if you do not reside in Thurston County, please email, write, or call the Commissioners (http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/) to let them know you oppose this proposed ordinance. Don’t think this can’t happen in your county; it definitely can! Let’s STOP it here and now!
Thank you.
Post by: huntrights on March 04, 2012, 12:01:27 PM
Your rights to hunt and shoot are very close to being severely restricted or prohibited in many areas of Thurston County unless YOU are willing to push back. Those of you that live in other counties need to help us stop this ordinance or you will most likely find similar ordinances being imposed in your county. A copy of the latest proposed ordinance made available (draft 5) is attached at the bottom of the original post. This is a very restrictive ordinance; all of you should be paying very close attention to this. Being informed is our most important defense; it allows us to take the necessary steps to protect our rights because we know what the threats are. If we have the information and don't do anything with it ... [:bash:].
Post by: Oly1 on March 04, 2012, 06:50:04 PM
In addition Washington Waterfowlers Association is taking a lead on this matter. I will post a response from Kurt Snyder with WWA for any other help we can use: Thanks for any help.
"Email your oppostion to smithr@co.thurston.wa.us This is the address to send your opposition to. It cannot hurt for everyone to send in another email, BUT, if you have NOT sent an opposition email yet, then cc it to; cedarvillefarms@aol.com They are keeping a count of the opposition. More important, we need to keep showing up at the commissioners meetings and showing our dislike of this really bad ordinance, in numbers. Show respect in your message, no matter how you feel about the Commissioners. Write as you would normally talk. No cussing please. (Thats the one I have problems with). It won't hurt to mention that you will be supporting the opponents in this upcoming election because of the no shooting zone proposal. (Thurston Co residents). Try and keep it short. The whole point is to show opposition and keep it coming!"
Thank You,
Kurt Snyder
Post by: KillBilly on March 05, 2012, 08:58:13 AM
Robert Smith
smithr@co.thurston.wa.us
Cathy Wolfe, Commissioner District 1
wolfec@co.thurston.wa.us
Sandra Romero, Commissioner District 2
romeros@co.thurston.wa.us
Karen Valenzuela, Commissioner District 3
valenzk@co.thurston.wa.us
BCC: cedarvillefarms@aol.com
Post by: KillBilly on March 05, 2012, 09:07:32 AM
Date: 3/5/2012
To: Thurston County Board of Commissioners:
Cathy Wolfe, Commissioner District 1, Sandra Romero, Commissioner District 2, Karen Valenzuela, Commissioner District 3
Subject: Thurston County No Shooting Zone Ordinance
I am sending this letter to express my total opposition to adding new sections to chapter 10.04 of the Thurston County Code that will further regulate and restrict the discharge of firearms. It is apparent that you are willing to impose the wishes of a few on the unsuspecting and non-represented many in Thurston County. It is apparent and obvious that you loaded the Thurston County No Shooting Zone Ordinance Workgroup with people that did not equally represent those affected by this ordinance. The workgroup composition was blatantly biased to support the proposed restrictive changes to the ordinance from the start.
This ordinance, as proposed, will be a direct affront to the landowners, recreational shooters and hunters of this state. You will not only be depriving property owners of their right to utilize their land as they see fit but you will also be imposing hardships on many communities and businesses that rely on local and out of county revenue from hunting and shooting activities to make ends meet. You need to take into account the amount of money spent by hunters and shooters in all aspects of our economy: hotels, motels, restaurants, sporting goods stores, grocery stores, gas stations, guide services, permit and license fees, tourism, etc.
I question your data in reference to shotguns having a range of 300 yards with a reasonable likelihood of endangerment to people, domestic animals, and property. Today’s laws do not allow the use of lead shot for waterfowl hunting and the allowed shot types will not travel that distance. In addition, hunters do not shoot towards people, domestic animals, or houses on the shoreline.
All hunters are taught, expected and required to know where they are pointing their firearms whether it be public waterways along a shoreline or on an alpine slope. Hunters as well as peace officers are properly trained in the use of firearms and Firearm Safety.
Your proposal would have waterfowl hunters a minimum of 300 yards offshore. Since waterfowl tend to land in shallower waters (mostly near shore) you would be forcing the hunters to shoot back towards shore in order to harvest a waterfowl. I totally miss the logic in that thought process, if there was a thought process, or is it intended to be a Catch 22 to stop waterfowl hunting completely?
Last but not least… New Section. Section 3 - Exemption – Application – Fee
This section is entirely unacceptable. What you are proposing will make it nearly impossible for any large parcel owner to hunt or shoot on their land even when it is totally safe to do so. This is nothing but a red-tape, bureaucratic nightmare for any citizen this situation might apply to; it appears you have done this by design to ensure no one can hunt or shoot on the affected land areas.
I am appalled by overzealous restrictions you are proposing and believe you have far exceeded the authority granted to you by RCW 9.41.300. I would suggest that you listen to your constituents and scrap this idea if you are truly a representative & friend of the citizens and voters of Thurston County.
Al Stover
President
Washington For Wildlife
Post by: Special T on March 05, 2012, 11:34:44 AM
Post by: huntrights on March 05, 2012, 07:28:05 PM
Post by: huntrights on March 06, 2012, 12:49:16 PM
http://www.myfreedomfoundation.com/index.php/site/view/thurston_countys_no_shooting_ordinance_a_bad_idea
The most important thing is to first make people aware this is happening. Please forward to everyone you know in the hunting and shooting community.
Please take this seriously and take action!
Post by: BOWHUNTER45 on March 06, 2012, 01:05:44 PM
Post by: huntrights on March 06, 2012, 06:02:28 PM
This is terrifying, sounds like it would include most of my hunting areas. This would also affect people shooting bows in their yards correct? So all the people with 3D targets in their yards would be in violation? I see posts like this one, that threaten to revoke our rights, but I don't know how to respond! Do emails to the commissioners really make a difference? Its not possible for me to attend the meetings, so what is the next best thing any one can do? I think there are many people like me who see these posts, say "wow thats awful, but what can I do about it?" and close their browser. So what is the best way to help?
-Steve
You and everyone else can easily help defeat this travesty. At the very least, write those emails and get ALL of your hunting and shooting family and friends to do the same. The word must get out to everyone who cares about keeping our property rights and freedom to hunt and shoot. You can write the Commissioners through their web site ( http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/ ), or you can send them an email directly:
Commissioner Romero - RomeroS@co.thurston.wa.us
Commissioner Wolfe - Wolfec@co.thurston.wa.us
Commissioner Valenzuela - valenzk@co.thurston.wa.us
You must also copy Robert Smith as he is the official "Keeper" of these communications:
Robert Smith - smithr@co.thurston.wa.us
You can also copy the County Manager:
Don Krupp - County Manager - kruppd@co.thurston.wa.us
Please don't look at what is going on and think "Wow, that's awful" and then close the browser and not do anything. Look at what is going on and think "WOW, THAT"S REALLY AWFUL, UNJUSTIFIED, AND IS ATTACKING MY RIGHTS TO HUNT AND SHOOT!!!! I HAD BETTER DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!!!!!"
Write those emails!
Go to the public meetings if you can!
Tell them how much you oppose this unjustified ordinance. Speak from the heart. It only takes a couple of minutes to fight for your rights. Don't let them or anyone else tread on you or your rights! It's time to draw a line in the sand and push back! Enough is enough! These people will not stop unless we push back, and push back hard!
Please keep in mind that all emails to government addresses are public record. Do not write anything that you would not want others to see you write.
Post by: KillBilly on March 06, 2012, 06:10:50 PM
http://www.change.org/petitions/thurston-county-commissioner-district-1-stop-all-action-on-the-thurston-county-no-shooting-zone-ordinance (http://www.change.org/petitions/thurston-county-commissioner-district-1-stop-all-action-on-the-thurston-county-no-shooting-zone-ordinance)
Post by: bearpaw on March 08, 2012, 10:12:06 AM
Post by: Mr56Jeep on March 08, 2012, 11:38:23 AM
context=C4dca311ADvjVQa1PpcFNpscIE3uO6YMrLCwpK4BSR61jvKjnEtwo=
context=C4e89b99ADvjVQa1PpcFNpscIE3uO6YN2sLel6RtbwEraGZgWLo2A=
Post by: tdigger10 on March 08, 2012, 01:38:45 PM
Post by: Smith_22 on March 08, 2012, 10:52:17 PM
Post by: huntrights on March 09, 2012, 09:26:36 AM
Keep up the momentum!
Don't let this fall off of your radar!
Write those emails! Sign the petition! Go to the public meetings!
Pass this on to all of your family, friends, and anyone that wants to keep their freedoms!
This is real, and it's happening now! It's up to us to stop it!
Post by: huntrights on March 10, 2012, 08:57:30 PM
http://www.myfreedomfoundation.com/index.php/stop_thurston_county/view/citizens_speak_up_against_thurston_countys_no_shooting_ordinance
Post by: Special T on March 11, 2012, 07:04:23 AM
Post by: huntrights on March 14, 2012, 10:48:02 AM
This is a good opportunity to voice your opposition to the ordinance.
Tuesday's, approximately 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Opportunity for the Public to Address the Board)
Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 280
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502-1045
Check their agenda prior to make sure they will be having a meeting:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/agenda/Agenda.pdf
Post by: huntrights on March 16, 2012, 01:13:27 PM
Your rights and privileges are being threatened.
Throughout the thread, there are many options given to you regarding how you, as an individual, can help defeat this terrible proposed ordinance.
Send emails. Sign a petition.
Using a Smokey the Bear type of phrase:
Remember, only you can prevent bad ordinances!
Petition web sites:
http://www.change.org/petitions/thurston-county-commissioner-district-1-stop-all-action-on-the-thurston-county-no-shooting-zone-ordinance
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopthurstoncounty/
Post by: huntrights on March 21, 2012, 09:57:11 AM
Watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNbS0KH9Eds
"Uploaded by terryknightproducer on Mar 18, 2012
OLYMPIA UNDERCOVER reports on sportsmens' protest of the proposed new Thurston County anti-shooting ordinance. Originally called the "No Shooting Zone" Ordinance, the proposed new law has been renamed the "Controlled Shooting" Ordinance. Area hunters and recreational shooters are angry about what they see as a needless attempt to solve a problem that doesn't exist. Jessica Dillon reports from Cabela's in Lacey."
Each and every one of you must take a stand to HELP defend YOUR freedoms, YOUR property rights, and YOUR privileges to hunt and shoot.
We need everyone's help to defeat this. Several posts in this string of posts provide very easy methods YOU can use to HELP.
We are not crying wolf! This is real! It is happening now!
YOU will be very upset if YOU do not fight for YOUR freedoms, YOUR property rights, and YOUR privileges to hunt and shoot. HELP prevent the passage of this ordinance!
Post by: sebek556 on March 21, 2012, 11:03:35 AM
Post by: brianmtsinc on March 21, 2012, 11:15:27 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 21, 2012, 11:18:58 AM
Post by: bearpaw on March 21, 2012, 11:49:37 AM
Keep it short and sweet, make it easy for people to take action. ;)
Post by: bearpaw on March 21, 2012, 12:04:42 PM
Any other way to create accountability of these elected people to the people? :dunno:
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 21, 2012, 12:38:15 PM
"AN ORDINANCE adding new sections to chapter 10.04 of the Thurston County Code to regulate the discharge of firearms in areas of high density development, to provide exceptions to this prohibition where it conflicts with state and federal law, and to provide an exemption process by which properties may be removed from this prohibition if the discharge of firearms on those properties creates no reasonable likelihood of endangerment to humans, domestic animals or property.
WHEREAS, the discharge of firearms in zoning districts that allow for residential densities greater than one dwelling unit per two acres poses a reasonable likelihood of endangerment to people, domestic animals, and property due to the high density of residential structures; and
WHEREAS, waterfowl hunting utilizing shotguns with a firing range of approximately 300 yards occurs from watercraft in the marine waters along the shorelines of Thurston County and the discharge of firearms closer than 300 yards creates a reasonable likelihood of endangerment to people, domestic animals, and property on the shoreline; and
WHEREAS, Article I, section 24 of the state Constitution guarantees the right of the individual to bear arms in defense of self or others; and
WHEREAS, peace officers, properly trained in the safe use of firearms, use firearms in the course of their official duties; and
WHEREAS, agriculture, including raising of domestic animals for slaughter, is a permitted use throughout much of the county and the slaughter of domestic animals on farms utilizing firearms is a common agricultural practice; and
WHEREAS, shooting ranges exist or may exist, that have been developed and approved with provisions for the safe discharge of firearms in a controlled environment; and
WHEREAS, hunters of wild animals may wound an animal that then retreats to a no shooting area and such hunters are bound by hunting ethics and State law to not waste wildlife and therefore must pursue wounded game animals; and
WHEREAS, certain ordinances adopted in the past by Thurston County prohibit the discharge of firearms and do not include exceptions for self defense, peace officers, slaughter of domestic animals, legally existing shooting ranges, or the dispatching of wounded animals; and
WHEREAS, the discharge of firearms on certain properties within a no shooting zone may not pose a threat to humans, domestic animals or property due to lot size, configuration and/or location and ordinances adopted in the past by Thurston County prohibit the discharge of firearms and do not include a process for property owners seeking an exemption from the ordinance.
It shall be unlawful for any person to discharge a firearm at any time in Thurston County, State of Washington, in the following described areas of the County:
All those areas outside city limits that lie within the adopted Thurston County Urban Growth Areas for Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Grand Mound; and
All those areas zoned Residential LAMIRD One Dwelling Unit Per Acre; and
All those areas zoned Residential LAMIRD Two Dwelling Units Per Acre; and
All that portion of land and marine waters of Puget Sound lying 300 yards, waterward, from the ordinary high water line; except for that portion of Sections 5 and 6 of Township 18 North, Range 1 East lying north of Interstate 5, Sections 31 and 32 of Township 19 North, Range 1 East, and the South Half of the Southeast Quarter of Section 30, Township 19 North, Range 1 East; and
All that portion of Eld Inlet lying southerly of an east-west line described as beginning at a point lying 300 feet Northerly of the intersection of the Meander Line with the East Line of Section 31, Township 19, North Range 2 West, thence due Westerly across Eld Inlet to the Western Shoreline; and
All that portion of Henderson Inlet lying Southerly of the North line of Sections 17 and 18, Township 19 North, Range 1 West;
Excepted from the above described areas are those lands and waterways already within the boundaries of an adopted No Shooting or Controlled Shooting zone, contained in chapter 10.04 of the Thurston County Code, in effect on the date of adoption of this ordinance.
Section 2. There is added a new section to chapter 10.04 Thurston County Code to read as follows:
New Section. Section 2 – Exceptions.
The provisions of chapter 10.04 shall not apply to the discharge of firearms:
(1) By a person acting in self-defense;
(2) By peace officers in the course of their official duties;
(3) In the course of farm slaughter activities;
3
(4) Within a legally existing or approved shooting range;
(5) By a person protecting livestock, pets, and/or property, in compliance with applicable State law;
(6) By a person retrieving and dispatching wounded game animals.
Section 3. There is added a new section to chapter 10.04 Thurston County Code, to read as follows:
New Section. Section 3- Exemption – Application – Fee
Application for exemption from the prohibition on discharging firearms shall be considered for properties two acres or larger. The application shall be submitted in writing and filed with the Thurston County Resource Stewardship Department. The application shall be accompanied with a receipt showing payment to this department. The fee shall be adopted on an annual basis as part of the department’s regular permit fee schedule. The application shall include:
A. A completed Master Application, available from the department, including the name address and signature of the property owner.
B. A narrative describing the type of activity proposed (hunting, target practice, etc.), type of firearms to be used, who is involved, number of people participating at any one time, and time and duration of the activity. The narrative shall include a summary outlining the safety precautions the applicant will employ in order to ensure that the discharge of a firearm on their property will not endanger humans, domestic animals and the property of others.
C. A detailed and accurate map of the property at a scale of not less than two hundred feet to the inch (using a standard interval of engineer scale), which shall include or show:
1. The boundaries, including dimensions, of the property proposed to be exempted;
2. The type, location and height of all existing structures, including, but not limited to, buildings, fences, bridges, and storage tanks on the property proposed to be exempted;
3. A detail of areas proposed for firearm discharge on the property proposed to be exempted, including the direction of shooting, distances downrange, and what land uses lie beyond and to the sides of the shooting area;
4. The topography of the property proposed to be exempted;
5. The type and location of all structures within 300-feet of the property boundaries of the property proposed to be exempted; and
6. A north arrow, map scale, date, site address and directions to the site.
4
Section 4. There is added a new section to chapter 10.04 Thurston County Code, to read as follows:
New Section. Section 4. Hearing Examiner Action
The Hearing Examiner shall consider the proposed exemption from the prohibition on the discharge of firearms at a public hearing. If the hearing examiner finds the discharge of firearms on the subject property will not pose a reasonable likelihood of endangerment to people, domestic animals, or property the requested exemption will be granted. Such findings shall be issued by the Hearing Examiner in writing subject to the standard appeal process.
Section 5. There is added a new section to chapter 10.04 Thurston County Code, to read as follows:
Section5—Severability Clause. If any term or provision of this ordinance or its application to any person or circumstance is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining terms and provisions of this ordinance, and the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby, but each remaining term and provision shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 21, 2012, 12:39:56 PM
Post by: Special T on March 21, 2012, 01:17:46 PM
Post by: huntrights on March 21, 2012, 01:57:09 PM
Most of these are very quick and simple methods for you to get involved.
Write emails expressing your opposition to the proposed changes to the Thurston County No Shooting Zone Ordinance:
Commissioner Sandra Romero - RomeroS@co.thurston.wa.us
Commissioner Cathy Wolfe - Wolfec@co.thurston.wa.us
Commissioner Karen Valenzuela - valenzk@co.thurston.wa.us
You must also copy Robert Smith as he is the official "Keeper" of these communications:
Robert Smith - smithr@co.thurston.wa.us
You can also copy the County Manager:
Don Krupp - County Manager - kruppd@co.thurston.wa.us
Sample email:
To: Thurston County Commissioners and involved Thurston County Staff
I am sending you this communication to express my total opposition to your proposed changes to the Thurston County, Washington No Shooting Zone Ordinance that will further regulate and restrict the discharge of firearms during the legal and safe activities of hunting and recreational shooting (Reference Chapter 10.04 – Discharge of Firearms - Thurston County, Washington code).
This ordinance, as proposed, will be a direct affront to the local landowners, recreational shooters and hunters of Thurston County, Washington State, and all who visit Thurston County from out of state for these outdoor opportunities. You will be depriving property owners of their right to utilize their land as they see fit, and depriving recreational shooters and hunters of their right to legally and safely utilize public waterways, public lands, and private lands. You will also be imposing hardships on many communities and businesses that rely on local and out-of-county revenue from hunting and shooting activities. You need to take into account the amount of money spent by hunters and shooters in all aspects of our economy: hotels, motels, restaurants, sporting goods stores, grocery stores, gas stations, guide services, permit and license fees, tourism, etc.
I am respectfully asking you to stop your unjustified pursuit of restrictions on our freedoms, property rights, and opportunities to hunt and shoot.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
Sign a petition; there are two online:
http://www.change.org/petitions/thurston-county-commissioner-stop-all-action-on-the-thurston-county-no-shooting-zone-ordinance
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/stopthurstoncounty/
Go to public meetings:
This is a good opportunity to voice your opposition to the ordinance; you get 3 minutes.
Tuesday's, approximately 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Opportunity for the Public to Address the Board)
Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 280
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502-1045
Check their agenda prior to going to make sure they will be having a meeting:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/agenda/Agenda.pdf
This is a very important meeting that all should try to attend. We need to fill the room. If you go, write on the sign-in register that you OPPOSE the No Shooting Zone Ordinance. The public will NOT be able to speak at this meeting; you will only be able to observe. Our presence is extremely important. The Commissioners will be given a briefing by Cliff Moore from the Thurston County Resource Stewardship Department on what they are now calling the “Controlled Shooting Zone”. The Commissioners will decide at that time what their next step will be.
Thursday, April 5, 2012; 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 280
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502-1045
Check their master schedule prior to make sure they will be having a meeting:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/Master%20Schedule.pdf[/size]
You can write the Thurston County State Representatives:
State Representative Contacts for Thurston County:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/auditor/Elections/ElectedOfficials/ElectOfficialstate.htm
It is very important to let these representatives know that the proposed changes to the Thurston County No Shooting Zone Ordinance will have a significant negative effect on the legal, public use of marine shorelines of statewide significance. The restrictions will also have negative statewide economic impact as these proposed restrictions directly affect local, state, and out-of-state tourism dollars related to hunting and recreational shooting. This is a state issue!
Legislative District No. 2 Party Expires*
Senator: Randi Becker R 2012
115B Irv Newhouse Bldg, PO Box 40402, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7602 Email: randi.becker@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 1 Jim McCune R 2012
109 Modular Bldg. G, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7824 Email: jim.mccune@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 2 J. T. Wilcox R 2012
106 Modular Bldg. G, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7912 Email: jt.wilcox@leg.wa.gov
Legislative District No. 20 Party Expires*
Senator: Dan Swecker R 2012
103 Irv Newhouse Bldg, PO Box 40420, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7638 Email: dan.swecker@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 1 Richard DeBolt R 2012
335C Legislative Bldg, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7896 Email: richard.debolt@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 2 Gary Alexander R 2012
426 Legislative Bldg, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7990 Email: gary.alexander@leg.wa.gov
Legislative District No. 22 Party Expires*
Senator: Karen Fraser D 2012
404 Legislative Bldg, PO Box 40422, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7642 Email: karen.fraser@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 1 Chris Reykdal D 2012
104 Modular Bldg. C, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7940 Email: chris.reykdal@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 2 Sam Hunt D 2012
438B Legislative Bldg, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7992 Email: sam.hunt@leg.wa.gov
Legislative District No. 35 Party Expires*
Senator: Tim Sheldon D 2014
412 Legislative Bldg, PO Box 40435, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7668 Email: timothy.sheldon@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 1 Kathy Haigh D 2012
108 Modular Bldg. F, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7966 Email: kathy.haigh@leg.wa.gov
Representative: Pos 2 Fred Finn D 2012
101 Modular Bldg. B, PO Box 40600, Olympia WA 98504
(360) 786-7902 Email: fred.finn@leg.wa.gov
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 21, 2012, 02:29:57 PM
Dear Sirs/Madams,
I hunt in your county, on the way to hunting, I buy breakfast. Then I buy ammunition. Usually, then I buy gasoline. I hunt. After hunting, I buy more food. I may stop for a nice dinner. If it's a Saturday, then I'll stay overnight at a motel to hunt the next day. If I need other sporting goods, I'll stop at Cabelas on the way home, and I almost always need sporting goods. If you push through your proposed shooting ordinance, I'll take my money and go to another county to spend it.
This is not a safety issue. There have been no safety concerns voiced by any state agency regarding waterfowl hunting in your county. To the contrary, the state police and the WDFW don't support this. I believe that this is an attempt to enforce gun control under a guise of safety concerns. If this is not a sham and safety is really a concern, then stop after school sports instead. A child is four times more likely to die playing football then he is hunting.
Thurston Co. has some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state. Your local businesses benefit form the resulting residual sales and your residents benefit from the increased tax base from the tourism benefit that hunting attracts. Pass this stupid ordinance and you'll lose tens thousands of dollars in tax revenue and untold tourism dollars. Is your budget so flush that your residents will gladly accept a loss of tax revenue? When I stop coming up to hunt, I will contact the businesses who've lost my business and let them know why and who's responsible.
I may not live in your county, but I spend a lot of money there, so I pay taxes. This ordinance makes no sense. It should be taken off the docket. I'll eagerly look forward to hearing the results of this.
Most Sincerely,
John W
Post by: Special T on March 21, 2012, 05:18:52 PM
Nice letters
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 22, 2012, 06:50:15 AM
Post by: huntrights on March 22, 2012, 05:51:49 PM
Uploaded by terryknightproducer on Mar 22, 2012
OLYMPIA UNDERCOVER: Thurston County Sheriff John Snaza explains why his department doesn't support the proposed new anti-shooting ordinance, which has raised the ire of area sportsmen. Snaza says he and Fish & Wildlife agree the current law is adequate.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c03HI2E82cY
Post by: Special T on March 23, 2012, 08:13:12 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on March 24, 2012, 04:53:59 PM
Post by: huntrights on March 30, 2012, 01:16:00 AM
The meeting time for the Commissioner's briefing on the proposed changes to the Thurston County No Shooting Zone Ordinance has been changed to 2:00 - 3:00 PM.
The following is a very important meeting that all should try to attend. We need to fill the room. If you go, write on the sign-in register that you OPPOSE the No Shooting Zone Ordinance. The public will NOT be able to speak at this meeting; you will only be able to observe. Our presence is extremely important. The Commissioners will be given a briefing by Cliff Moore from the Thurston County Resource Stewardship Department on what they are now calling the “Controlled Shooting Zone”. The Commissioners will decide at that time what their next step will be.
Thursday, April 5, 2012; 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 280
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502-1045
Check their master schedule prior to make sure this briefing is still on the schedule; they have been known to change the schedule:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/Master%20Schedule.pdf
Materials for the Controlled Shooting Zone briefing are posted on the county website at:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/resource/docs/shootingzones/Controlled-Shooting-Zone-Complete.pdf
Post by: bobcat on April 02, 2012, 08:38:16 AM
Quote
Published April 02, 2012
Ordinance would regulate firearms in urbanizing areas of county
Thurston County commissioners will be briefed Thursday on a proposed ordinance addressing controlled-shooting zones.
The ordinance would regulate the use of firearms in urbanizing areas of the county, which currently has 38 controlled shooting zones.
Senior planner Robert Smith said controversy over controlled-shooting zones dates back several years to when county residents contacted the commissioners about gun use near waterfront properties.
The commissioners held a public meeting on the topic in July 2009, followed by three more meetings in 2010 and 2011.
A citizen work group was created to draft an ordinance alongside county staffers.
Smith said that after the most recent public meeting, his office has received about 1,800 written and emailed public comments about the proposed ordinance.
“The correspondence we’ve received since – the emails and petitions – are greatly against it,” Smith said.
The ordinance would create the zones in areas where firing a gun would be a danger to people, animals or property, including the urban-growth areas of Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater and Grand Mound.
The zones would include areas from the ordinary water line to 300 yards offshore along marine shorelines and the southern sections of the Henderson and Eld inlets.
Commissioners will offer direction Thursday on how to proceed, Smith said.
“It’s up in the air,” he said. “They could direct us to go to a public hearing and consider the ordinance as it currently exists or tell us to go back and rewrite it or tell us to forget it.”
The briefing is set for 2 p.m. in Building One, Room 280 at the Thurston County Courthouse, 2000 Lakeridge Drive S.W., Olympia.
Chelsea Krotzer: 360-754-5476
ckrotzer@theolympian.com
theolympian.com/outsideoly
Twitter: @chelseakrotzer
Read more here: http://www.theolympian.com/2012/04/02/v-print/2053904/ordinance-would-regulate-firearms.html#storylink=cpy
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 02, 2012, 10:42:02 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 02, 2012, 11:20:46 AM
Hearing Scheduled on Thurston County Hunting Ban
Proposal Would Eliminate Hunting Opportunities on Public and Private Lands
County Commissioners in Thurston County, Washington have proposed enacting strict, new, no shooting zones that would eliminate hunting on many public and private lands.
Among the regulations is a prohibition from hunting within 300 yards from shore in Puget Sound. Waterfowlers have safely hunted these areas in Puget Sound for generations and the proposed ordinance would arbitrarily eliminate much of this traditional hunting ground.
Those backing this anti-hunting proposal are claiming that the ordinance is needed for public safety to protect people, pets, and property. However, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife have testified before the Commissioners stating that there have been absolutely zero substantiated hunting accidents on Puget Sound. In addition, current state laws already ensure that hunting is done safely.
Sportsmen are encouraged to attend a County Commissioners meeting on Thursday, April 5, 2012 starting at 1:00 p.m. where they will be discussing the ordinance. The meeting will be held at the Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, in Room 280. The Courthouse is located at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW in Olympia.
“The supporters of this ordinance have absolutely no data to support their claims that hunting is unsafe and are simply seeking to take away hunting opportunities,” said Jeremy Rine, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance in-house counsel and associate director of state services. “Washington sportsmen should contact the Thurston County Commissioners and ask them to vote down the ordinance. If passed, it could be used by anti-hunters in other counties to persuade their commissioners to pass similar hunting bans.”
Take Action! Washington sportsmen should contact the Commissioners at (360) 786-5440 or by email and ask them to oppose the ordinance.
Thurston County Commissioners
Commissioner Sandra Romero - romeros@co.thurston.wa.us
Commissioner Cathy Wolfe - wolfec@co.thurston.wa.us
Commissioner Karen Valenzuela - valenzk@co.thurston.wa.us
U.S. Sportsmen's Alliance
801 Kingsmill Parkway
Columbus, Ohio 43229
614-888-4868
www.ussportsmen.org
info@ussportsmen.org
Post by: bearpaw on April 02, 2012, 11:22:17 AM
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 02, 2012, 11:55:22 AM
If they pass this we should try for legislation to repeal this and prevent it from happening again.
One of the discussions at the Cabela's meeting was that in one way, them adopting the ordinance might be good because it would give the average Joe a reason to push his legislator for a hunting rights amendment to the state constitution to stop further restrictions.
Post by: huntrights on April 02, 2012, 02:39:25 PM
If they pass this we should try for legislation to repeal this and prevent it from happening again.
I believe there will be a push in this direction no matter what. If legislation isn't in place to prevent these abuses, we will see the same thing pop up again in the same county or another county. That's why all of the hunters, shooters, and freedom loving people in this state need to understand it is NOT just a local issue. We all need to help to defeat the proposed Thurston County No Shooting Zone Ordinance, then we need to set our sights on taking back the freedoms that were taken from us in other parts of the state. Apathy and complacency will not preserve the freedoms we cherish; unfortunately, there are a lot of people like the Thurston County Commissioners that want to take those freedoms from us, so we must be ready to defend those freedoms and to be proactive.
This leads nicely into my next post.
Post by: huntrights on April 02, 2012, 02:50:47 PM
The following is a very important meeting that all should try to attend. We need to fill the room. If you go, write on the sign-in register that you OPPOSE the No Shooting Zone Ordinance. The public will NOT be able to speak at this meeting; you will only be able to observe. Our presence is extremely important. The Commissioners will be given a briefing by Cliff Moore from the Thurston County Resource Stewardship Department on what they are now calling the “Controlled Shooting Zone”. The Commissioners will decide at that time what their next step will be.
Thursday, April 5, 2012; 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Thurston County Courthouse, Building One, Room 280
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Olympia, WA 98502-1045
Check their master schedule prior to make sure this briefing is still on the schedule; they have been known to change the schedule:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/Master%20Schedule.pdf
Materials for the Controlled Shooting Zone briefing are posted on the county website at:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/resource/docs/shootingzones/Controlled-Shooting-Zone-Complete.pdf
APRIL 5TH THURSTON COUNTY NO TO NO SHOOTING ORDINANCE RALLY
2:00 PM AT THE THURSTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE COMPLEX, BLDG. 1
RALLY DETAILS
2:00 PM AT THE THURSTON COUNTY COURTHOUSE COMPLEX, BLDG. 1
RALLY DETAILS
To add emphasis to our solidarity please wear one or more of the following items: green shirt, green blouse, green jacket, or green hat. Hopefully the crowd will overflow building capacity, so dress accordingly.
The rally will be held at the time and place noted above regardless of any changes in the meeting schedule instigated by the Thurston County Commissioners to disrupt our message and purpose. Rally organizers will be on site by 1:00 PM.
Please be orderly and respectful of other citizens and property, but do feel free to provide effective background noise.
Please bring and use video cameras and still cameras to help document the event if you have them.
Parking will be an issue, so please carpool if possible and park at the Red Lion Inn which is a short walk from the rally site. I believe the Red Lion Inn charges a $2.00 parking fee.
Please sign our register and pick up signs at the registration post which will be located at main front entrance of bldg. 1.
Please return the signs to the registration post at the end of the rally. Exception: Willing Thurston County residents may keep the signs to post in their front yards.
In the event you are approach by the media politely tell them you are protesting the unlawful no shooting ordinance and then direct them to Jon McAninch. I will be stationed at the registration post and will answer their questions in a predetermined manner or direct them to some one else who can.
Expect to donate about two hours of your valuable time at the Rally to be effectual. The Commissioners have by design picked this very inconvenient time for this meeting to minimize the possible attendance of those in opposition to their agenda.
We have made a difference! The ONLY reason this ordinance was not enacted in October 2010 per the scheduled timeline goal of the Thurston County Commissioners is because of our opposition. The three Thurston County Commissioners and Staff are realizing just how radioactive this issue is and are now in damage control mode (especially the two Commissioners standing for reelection).
We have now also gained "National" and "Statewide" attention in this matter, and every county and every politician in Washington State is aware and is watching how this ordinance pans out. Due to the permit / fee / exemption clause incorporated into the Proposed Thurston County No Shooting Ordinance it has now transgressed into a possible source of revenue for these other counties. So now the ordinance and the process not only attacks your Personal Property Rights, Second Amendment Rights, State Constitution Article 24 Rights, Right of Due Process, Right to Public Waters and Lands, shooting privileges, hunting privileges, etc. it shall now also attack the wallets of every gun owner, shooter, and hunter in this state if it passes.
We, (the key organizers of the opposition to this ordinance) are CONFIDENT “IF” enough people attend this rally this ordinance will be killed. This shall make this issue untouchable, taboo, and radioactive for every other county and politician in our state and make OBTAINABLE our ultimate goals of hunting and fishing being recognized as a constitutional "RIGHT" in lieu of a privilege, forcing the retraction of already existing like ordinances in other counties and saving tens of thousands of dollars in litigation costs.
THIS IS NOT JUST A THURSTON COUNTY ISSUE
THIS IS NOT JUST A WATERFOWL HUNTING ISSUE
THIS IS NOT JUST A WATERFOWL HUNTING ISSUE
There are now many State and National organizations and political allies that have joined in coalition to support the efforts to: defeat this ordinance, retract existing like ordinances, and establish a constitutional right to hunt and fish, hence provide a firewall against these types of issues in the future. Do not squander this opportunity! Do whatever is necessary to make this RALLY work as intended. Bring your friends and families and make your investment in your future and freedom.
Please forward this to whoever you deem appropriate and if you have any questions please feel free to contact cedarvillefarms@aol.com
Thank you
Post by: Dave Workman on April 03, 2012, 02:12:42 PM
Evergreen State gun owners and particularly waterfowl hunters are bracing for action Thursday when the Thurston County Commission gathers at 1 p.m. to discuss a proposed ordinance that would effectively eliminate waterfowl hunting along much of the county’s shoreline.
http://www.examiner.com/gun-rights-in-seattle/sportsmen-squaring-off-against-proposed-thurston-county-shooting-measure
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 03, 2012, 02:15:16 PM
Post by: KillBilly on April 03, 2012, 02:56:09 PM
If they pass this we should try for legislation to repeal this and prevent it from happening again.
Dale we have attorneys poised and ready to pounce. there will be a lawsuit if it passes. However we need to promote several pieces of legislation for the next session.
We need to Get bob Morton on point for legislation to unseat the current wildlife commissioners that are not confirmed and include a caveat that any/all gubernatorial appointments must be confirmed the same year or not be seated.
We need to get behind Dan Swecker and work on legislation to change the State Constitution to clearly state that Hunting is a right, not a privelege.
There are more and we need to work it hard.
Post by: huntrights on April 03, 2012, 03:49:49 PM
Dave, has the time changed again to 1PM? It was three, then two.
The Commissioner's Master Schedule still shows 2:00 PM. It is important to keep an eye on this because they have been known to change the schedule.
Here is a link to their Master Schedule:
http://www.co.thurston.wa.us/bocc/docs/Master%20Schedule.pdf
Post by: Special T on April 06, 2012, 11:34:35 AM
Here is a letter i recieved from Sen Dan Swecker
Mr. T,
Thank you for writing to me about the Thurston County No-Shooting Ordinance. I have been following the development of this ordinance and I agree with you. The limits placed on citizens by the new rules would be onerous and, in my opinion, over-reaching. I have written a letter to the Commissioners to express my concerns, and I have included the text here. The letter was also signed by Senator Becker and Representatives Finn, McCune, and Wilcox.
Thank you for taking the time to let me know your thoughts on this matter. If there is anything else I can do for you, please do not hesitate to call my office.
Sincerely,
Senator Dan Swecker
20th Legislative District
Post by: bobcat on April 06, 2012, 11:39:19 AM
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2012, 12:07:46 PM
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2012, 02:15:59 PM
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Hunters-fighting-to-stop-Thurston-Co-gun-ordinance-146372925.html?tab=video&c=y
Hunters fighting to stop Thurston Co. gun ordinance
By Bryan Johnson Published: Apr 5, 2012 at 6:39 PM PDT
OLYMPIA, Wash. -- Hunters in Olympia say a proposed gun control ordinance is illegal and dangerous, and they're fighting to keep it off the books.
The Thurston County Commission is mulling a proposed ordinance that would make it illegal to fire a gun on county shores.
"Both the residents and the commissioners are persuaded that discharge of firearms in this area is no longer safe because of population density," said Commissioner Karen Valenzuela.
That plan isn't sitting well with local hunters, who say the waters around Olympia are prime locations for duck hunting. The hunters showed up in droves to the commission's Thursday meeting to make their opinions known.
"It's completely unwarranted. There's never been a situation in this county where anyone has been shot with a shotgun, and that's where this started out for us," said Jim Cortines of the Washington Waterfowl Association.
While nobody has been injured, Valenzuela said there's been some close calls.
"We had reports from residents of bullets whizzing by and actually embedded in corners of buildings, along the shorelines of Eld Inlet," she said.
If you know anything about duck hunting, you know that hunters operate near the shoreline, aiming at birds in flight. The new ordinance would call for hunters to be 300 yards in the water before they could fire a gun.
Opponents of the ordinance say the commission's plan would actually put more people in danger.
"If they are near the water, they are shooting out towards the water, they are not shooting toward the shore," said Glen Morgan of the Freedom Foundation. "This ordinance makes them be out in the water and shoot toward shore. By design, it's actually the least safe option the county could have taken."
Valenzuela has heard that argument, but she says there's little chance that a shotgun blast from 300 yards out into the water would reach the shore with enough velocity to cause an injury.
County officials didn't take testimony at Thursday's meeting, but they heard arguments and will make their next move in two weeks.
Post by: bearpaw on April 06, 2012, 02:21:08 PM
CHELSEA KROTZER | Staff writer • Published April 06, 2012
Thurston County commissioners tabled any decisions about a controversial proposed controlled-shooting zone ordinance for two weeks during a Thursday briefing attended by more than 100 people.
County staffers brought the commission up to speed on an ordinance that would add to the county’s 38 current zones in which shooting is either banned or restricted.
Residents opposed to the ordinance lined the street and sidewalks leading to the county courthouse with red and white signs stating, “Stop Thurston County Illegal No Shooting Ordinance.”
More filled about 40 available seats in the county meeting room, with others overflowing into the lobby and along the stairs. The meeting did not include a public-comment period.
Cliff Moore, director of resource stewardship, said the county originally had 43 no- or controlled-shooting zones, but five were overwritten or annexed into neighboring cities.
The county’s controlled-shooting zones last were updated in 1995, Moore said.
The issue was brought to the commissioners in 2009 by waterfront community residents concerned about shooting near their homes.
After several public meetings, the county appointed a small work group of staffers and citizens to work on a new ordinance. The group met twice in 2011.
“There has been a fair amount of public comment predominately opposed to the ordinance,” Moore said.
Senior planner Robert Smith said the county received 1,800 written and emailed public comments.
Moore said the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and Thurston County Sheriff’s Office both question the need for the proposed ordinance.
In a letter to the county, Department of Fish and Wildlife Director Philip Anderson said there have been “no safety incidents related to waterfowl hunting on Thurston County saltwater areas.”
The ordinance would add controlled-shooting zones in the urban-growth areas of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater and Grand Mound, portions of Eld and Henderson inlets and some residential areas zoned for one or two dwellings per acre.
The ordinance would also prohibit shooting within 300 yards of the ordinary high-water line along Puget Sound, limiting areas for waterfowl hunters.
“We are not aware of any safety concerns on the properties that need to be addressed by a Thurston County shooting ordinance,” Anderson’s letter said. “Moreover, the ordinance closes other areas of South Sound that have large adjacent public ownership and are currently safely hunted for sea ducks.”
Moore said the work group initially considered 300 feet for marine shorelines.
“Information provided to staff suggests that wasn’t sufficient, so we extended it to 300 yards (900 feet),” Moore said.
That information was from an article claiming a shot from a shotgun would be non-lethal, but could cause damage between 250 and 600 yards.
Michael Bartoldo of the Nisqually Chapter of Ducks Unlimited said that having the 300-yard control zone would eliminate opportunities for sea fowl hunters.
He said the best way for hunters to reach them is while they feed in the shallow waters within that 300-yard zone.
“Taking public waterways to 300 yards is setting a bad precedent for the county and the state,” Bartoldo said.
John O’Neill of Lacey said the ordinance would eliminate most of his usual hunting grounds.
“This is a thinly veiled attempt to stop hunting in Thurston County,” O’Neill said. “The theory of 300-yard exclusive zone is not based on fact. This has been an underhanded process from the very beginning.”
Commissioner Cathy Wolfe gave a deadline of two weeks to make a decision.
The commissioners will continue with the ordinance process and hold a public meeting, send the ordinance back to staffers for additional review or take no action.
If the commission chooses to move ahead with the ordinance, it will have to schedule a public hearing during a regular commission meeting.
Chelsea Krotzer: 360-754-5476
ckrotzer@theolympian.com
Read more here: http://www.theolympian.com/2012/04/05/2059052/thurston-shooting-zone-briefing.html#storylink=cpy
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 06, 2012, 02:46:31 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 07, 2012, 09:19:44 AM
Don't you just love it when ignorant people talk about shotguns and bullet holes thinking the two are related? She's such an ignorant bag.
Yeah I thought the same thing when I read that. :bash:
Post by: bucklucky on April 07, 2012, 10:00:03 AM
Post by: huntrights on April 13, 2012, 01:24:32 PM
Your help is needed to continue getting the word out to more people. All hunters, recreational shooters, and freedom loving people need to be informed about this travesty, and take action to oppose it.
Here are several links, some of which have been posted before, but this brings many of them together in one place.
• Link to article – Ken Schram is with us: http://www.komonews.com/opinion/kenschram/Ken-Schram-Im-with-the-duck-hunters-on-this-problem-146444095.html#idc-cover
• Link to a video regarding Valenzuela’s ridiculous comments: http://www.myfreedomfoundation.com/index.php/stop_thurston_county/view/do_our_commissioners_understand_anything_about_the_ordinances_they_approve
• Link to a KOMO video in which Valenzuela make her comments that exemplifies her ignorance regarding the subject: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Hunters-fighting-to-stop-Thurston-Co-gun-ordinance-146372925.html?tab=video&c=y
• Link to a video regarding the TCNSZO is a bad idea: http://www.myfreedomfoundation.com/index.php/site/view/thurston_countys_no_shooting_ordinance_a_bad_idea
• Link to video showing petition signing at Cabela’s: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNbS0KH9Eds
• Link to Sheriff Snaza video – no issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c03HI2E82cY&feature=relmfu
• Link to video – public meeting last year: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibI0jR7AYhk&feature=related
• Link to video – the workgroup – how to get involved to stop this ordinance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOVS_KR2UD4&feature=relmfu
• Link to video – citizens testifying against the ordinance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GkgNC4bCGKA&feature=relmfu
• Link to video – Humor – The beginning of the ordinance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4mdj0QAyJpw
• Link to video – Humor – change of name to Controlled Shooting Zone: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imLOCeEoOOs
Post by: Special T on April 13, 2012, 01:27:21 PM
Post by: bobcat on April 17, 2012, 11:55:44 PM
http://www.refugeforums.com/refuge/showthread.php?t=899159
Post by: pianoman9701 on April 18, 2012, 06:20:51 AM
Post by: arguhl on April 24, 2012, 09:41:58 PM