Loo Wit Rumblings Summer 2025

Citizens provide input to address climate change
by Don Steinke

This is the first year that any county in Washington is required to comply with the Climate Amendment to the state's Growth Management Act (GMA). Clark County is the largest of four counties required to do so this year. The amended GMA requires us to reduce emissions and reduce per-capita vehicle miles traveled and to develop a plan for resilience to the impacts of climate change. 

Clark County appointed 20 community members to draft recommendations for the Planning Commission to consider. The county also appointed about 15 community members to an Environmental Justice committee, and hired five consultants to facilitate discussions.

It was a herculean task of herding cats, but we were able to reach a consensus on approximately 100 goals and supporting policies. On April 14, the county posted our final set of recommendations on their website at https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/media/document/2025-04/2025-0407-draft-climate-element-policies-reflects-cag-meeting-12-outcomes.pdf.

"We are making a meaningful impact"
by Monica Zazueta

It's monumental for the first time to have a climate component included in the Growth Management Act. I'm proud to see so many diverse voices being heard, often for the first time. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who participated in this journey. I know I've planted some seeds through our discussions and advocacy, and I'm excited to nurture them and watch them grow. Together, we are making a meaningful impact!

The recent discussions among community members regarding the removal of the term "holistic" from three key policies have highlighted a crucial need for education and understanding. Incorporating "holistic" into policies strengthens them by ensuring that they reflect a broader, more inclusive vision for sustainable development.

During our discussions, I listened to others' concerns, and we compromised to reach consensus. For example, to strike a balance between flexibility and our commitment to the 15-minute city concept, we agreed on the wording, "connected and accessible neighborhoods." Focusing on ensuring a significant majority of daily needs are within reach, we aim to create equitable, accessible communities that support environmental justice.

The climate planning grant is supported with funding from Washington's Climate Commitment Act (CCA). More information is available at the project website: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/climate-change-planning.

Join us for Loo Wit hikes
by Helen Madsen Ost and Lehman Holder

Most of our hikes are easy to moderate, at about 2.5 miles per hour, with frequent stops and low elevation gain. Most are within 30 minutes of Vancouver. We enjoy breathing fresh air, exploring local trails, stopping for views, feeling the peace of nature in the outdoors, and making connections with like-minded folks.

Our spring hikes had fields of blue camas flowers at Catherine Creek, and yellow balsamroot on the Memaloose Hills hike.

This summer, we look forward to hiking to the waterfalls at Latourell Falls and Wahclella Falls in the Gorge, as well as two nearby falls in the Lacamas Nature Area in Camas. We'll enjoy the cool shade of big cedars and the Douglas fir forests of Whipple Creek and the Salmon Morgan Nature Area. Hear the rippling water hiking along Salmon Creek and the East Fork of the Lewis River. We also plan a family walk to see baby turtles at the Turtle Pond along Salmon Creek.

Join us for kayak and bike outings

If you've been considering joining a Sierra Club/Loo Wit Group kayak or bike outing this spring/summer, the time is now.

Kayak outings began in May with a fun paddle on Lacamas Lake, including an exploration of Lacamas Creek, which feeds the lake. Our other May outing included the annual beginner-novice kayak trip on Lake River near Ridgefield, WA. All of Loo Wit's kayak outings are easy "flatwater,” meaning there are no rapids or whitewater, and some have kayak rentals available. Rentals are sometimes available, which include kayak, paddle, and life jacket.

Loo Wit bike outings also started in May. Most of our bike outings are less than 20 miles, and we pedal at an easy pace, averaging 8-10 mph. Any bike is suitable, but it should be in good condition. Helmets are required. 

Loo Wit outings are posted on Meetup

Participants must sign up for all outings in advance. To register for Loo Wit outings, go to:
https://www.meetup.com/portland-vancouver-sierra-club-outings-and-events/. This site is similar in name to our previous site, which is no longer active. Anyone who registered through the previous site will have to join the new group.

Reminder about kids and dogs on outings

National Sierra Club has updated its policy on minors (under 18 years old). Loo Wit does not accept unaccompanied minors on any of its outings. If a minor signs up for a Loo Wit outing, he/she must be physically accompanied on the outing by a responsible adult -- a parent, guardian, or other adult. The parent must also sign the Meetup waiver for the minor.

Pets on Loo Wit outings are at the discretion of the outing leader.

Introducing Loo Wit's outing leaders

Loo Wit is pleased to introduce its outings leaders (left to right): Lehman Holder, Helen Ost, Lottie Patten, John Willis, Chris Hartman, and Sharon Fukjioka (not pictured). 

For questions about outings, please contact the outings chair, Lehman Holder, at tripsguy@aol.com.