John, 

Right now, Washington is just one day away from a major decision about protecting headwater streams that are important for the health of our forests and salmon habitat. These are known as Type Np streams. 

On Friday, the Trump Administration sent a letter stating that the Type Np stream buffer rule is not required under the federal Clean Water Act. This letter undermines the crucial need to maintain the water conditions that keep salmon and other wildlife healthy. We must fight back.  

Tomorrow, the Forest Practices Board will vote to update the rule to provide much-needed larger forested buffers. Urge them to stand up to Trump’s EPA and adopt strong protections for healthy streams before tomorrow, Wednesday, November 12. 

This rule is the product of decades of research through a process in which Tribes, conservation groups, agency scientists, and the timber industry all helped design and review the science. All parties agreed on the results: Headwater streams need stronger protection to maintain cold, clean water, essential for ecosystems. 

The timing of Trump’s letter is not an accident. After participating in years of scientific development and policy negotiations, the timber industry went outside the state process to enlist federal interference when they did not like the results of the science they shaped. 

The letter does not dispute the science. It does not evaluate the record. It does not challenge the need for stronger stream protection. It simply says the rule is not federally mandated. It neglects to mention that this is a state rule governed by state law. The federal government is not the authority here. The state of Washington is. 

The Board must adopt the Type Np buffer rule on Wednesday. Please add your voice.

Rico Vinh (he/him)
Forests & Fish Program Senior Manager, Washington Conservation Action