Election Insights: Where Current Candidates Stand on Outdoor Recreation Issues in Chelan & Douglas Counties
Edited October 17, 2024 to include late responses from Paula Lamana | Original press release dated October 16, 2024
Access to outdoor recreation in North Central Washington contributes to our quality of life and plays an important role in the local economy. Elected officials have the power to shape policies that influence the future of outdoor recreation in the region.
In light of the upcoming election, we reached out to 24 candidates running for public office in districts affecting Chelan and Douglas counties to learn more about their views on key issues surrounding outdoor recreation in the area - including tourism, regional pathways, inclusivity, and sustainability. We heard back from 8 of the 24 candidates we contacted, including:
Randy Agnew, running for Douglas County Commissioner, District 2
Paula Lamana, running for Douglas County Commissioner, District 2 (responses added 10/17/24)
Kevin Overbay, running for Chelan County Commissioner, District 2
Flint Hartwig, running for Chelan County Commissioner, District 3
Brad Hawkins, running for Chelan County Commissioner, District 3
Brian Burnett, running for State Representative, District 12 Position 1
Keith Goehner, running for State Senator, District 12
Carmen Goers, running for US Representative, District 8
Our questions and the candidate responses are included below. While we do not endorse any specific candidates, we encourage all voters to stay informed and know where each candidate stands on the issues that matter to them. We would like to thank each of the participating candidates for taking the time to submit their responses. We would also like to remind voters that online and mail registrations must be received 8 days before Election Day or October 28, and Election Day is November 5.
Outdoor Recreation Tourism
We've all experienced tourism related to outdoor recreation in North Central WA. What do you see as benefits of outdoor recreation tourism? What are the challenges, and, if elected, what could you do to address them?
Randy Agnew: Outdoor Recreation tourism helps maintain and expand our local economy, provides jobs, enables capital investments such as new hotels, restaurants and facilities such as soccer fields, softball fields, etc. As a member of the Regional Sports Complex Committee, we hired a consultant firm to provide us with information on the building costs of a regional outdoor sports complex, the maintenance costs, and the economic impact it would provide. The biggest challenge is creating a citizen approved source of funding to build and then maintain the facility. I will be looking closely at the cost\benefit information and from that make a decision on whether to support such a facility. I believe, if done right, the benefits would outweigh the costs. In the event that plan doesn’t work out, If I’m elected County Commissioner I will look at what the county could do on its own to enable more outdoor recreation tourism.
Paula Lamana: I believe that more people checking out our amazing area helps with local and small businesses, creates jobs, and definitely gives visitors insight to the natural beauty of our region. We have such a unique area, pretty much any outdoor activity you can think of is done right in our valley. As a former forest service employee of 10 years I know how much damage can be done on trails, rivers and streams, and wildlife. I love that we have entities that get volunteers for Trail rehabilitation, watershed restoration, and educating the public on fire and natural resource conservation. If elected I would work with local businesses to address thesee challenges by seeking ways to create a balance such as promoting less visited areas, and promote sustainability such as leave no trace principles to decrease the impact on the environment. I would like to reach out to local government, community members, and businesses, to gather ideas for a proactive approach that benefits our community economicaly while decreasing the negative impact in our region. We need to find a way to ensure recreation tourism in our area continues to thrive but in a responsible and sustainable way.
Kevin Overbay: Outdoor recreation tourism is an extremely large economic driver for our communities and county as a whole. We are very fortunate to live in a place that provides many options for all experiences. However, outdoor recreation tourism comes with a price. Areas of our county have been overused which creates both transportation and environmental related challenges as well as private property and trespass issues. A positive element, however, has been the ability to identify additional recreational opportunities and outreach to all members of our community. I have supported outdoor recreation as well as tourism opportunities and will continue to do so in my role as Commissioner. We will continue to partner with outdoor recreational entities as well as identify and fund pro-active opportunities to address the challenges I spoke about previously. We also need to continue to identify stable funding sources to not only maintain existing facilities but also enhance experiences for residents and visitors with new facilities and programs.
Flint Hartwig: I grew up in the woods and I think the value of outdoor recreation can't be measured. It is so critical for people to get out in nature and reflect. It is literally what keeps me sane!
As farming struggles we need to rely on tourism for our future.
Access is the biggest challenge. Many roads have been closed since I was a kid. Every time I go drive in the woods I see more trailheads have been blocked off than before. As a county commissioner I would do everything in my power to increase access to public lands.
Brad Hawkins: Having been raised in Wenatchee, I am a proud supporter of Chelan County’s outdoor recreation because it has helped shape me into who I am today. From hiking Saddle Rock to cycling the Loop trail, my generation was Wenatchee’s first to grow up surrounded by enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities.
Agriculture, hydropower, healthcare, technology, and outdoor recreation tourism help grow and diversify our economy, which is beneficial to us all. Having a robust trail system and outdoor opportunities helps improve our overall quality-of-life, is a major asset in recruiting and retaining professionals, and definitely attracts visitors to our area.
One of the main challenges resulting from outdoor recreation tourism is adequately maintaining the system in place. This becomes increasingly difficult as more visitors utilize the system and as our regional population grows. This is a “good problem to have” in some ways because it shows a high demand for our outdoor recreation opportunities, but we need to strive for a balance between use and overuse by having a diversity of options.
As our State Senator, I have extensive knowledge of state grants and funding programs already available to assist us in meeting these needs. If elected, I’ll bring my experience to Chelan County to help our local organizations access the established state funding sources already in place so that local funding can be preserved for county functions.
Brian Burnett: Benefits are an increase revenue to our hotels, restaurants and other retail stores. Some challenges are the increased tourist influx to the outdoor recreation sites is that it can actually make it difficult for local residents to participate in a variety of events. As the former Chelan County Sheriff in charge of search and rescue, it puts an unfunded mandate on search and rescue missions, to include both rescues and body recoveries due to a fatal climbing accident, drowning or missing person in the high country. This is a common theme around the state as a big percentage of those costly search and rescue missions are for people that live out of the area and don't really pay into the regular tax base that supports the county and the Sheriff's Office budget. Public Safety via roadways from increased traffic can be another related impact.
Keith Goehner: The benefits are varied but significant. The economic benefits reach into the hospitality sector, equipment sales and repair, exposure to outdoor activity with the health benefits that go along with it, it brings communities together as they work to build and enhance trails and other infrastructure, and outdoor recreation is typically not a one-time visit. The challenges are most trails and outdoor activities utilize public lands. On State lands, the legislature can ensure public assets are properly maintained and funding is a sustainable budget consideration. Because of the positive economic impacts, there should also be a consideration for funding first responders, law enforcement and public works for road maintenance and parking areas.
Carmen Goers: Outdoor recreation is a huge part of the 8th Congressional District—especially Chelan, Snohomish, and Kittitas Counties. The benefits are that it helps create a booming economy in many communities. From Stevens Pass in the winter to the enchantments in Leavenworth, these and many other locations bring tourists from Seattle and elsewhere to explore Washington's natural beauty. A significant challenge is forest management; currently, our federal forest land is unhealthy. In Congress, I will hold the agency accountable and ensure that we provide them with the resources they need to improve our forest and manage our trails to continue creating a welcoming space for all. A second major challenge is wildfires' impacts, ensuring we mitigate the effects on our recreational tourism businesses as quickly as possible. I will work to ensure that we provide our firefighters with the tools they need to fight these fires. Another part of our outdoor recreation tourism is supporting the employees who run the services available to those taking advantage of our great outdoor recreation. I will want to look at ways we can support workforce housing and encourage local governments to explore ways to increase access to affordable housing for the workforce.
Regional Pathways
Do you see active transportation pathways that connect communities as beneficial to North Central WA? If so, how could we develop and sustain these pathways?
Randy Agnew: I do. I believe our current Apple Capital Loop trail proves the benefit of such pathways. As a board member of the Chelan Douglas Transportation Council, we are currently conducting a study on this exact issue. How to fund and, more importantly, how to fund the maintenance of the pathways. Without a mechanism for funding the maintenance, adding more pathways just keeps increasing the maintenance expense which at some point becomes unsustainable. I look forward to the results of the study and hopefully it will have some answers on the maintenance issue.
Paula Lamana: Absolutely, I do see transportation pathways as beneficial. First we have to work together with local goverments, community organizations, and state government to seek grants or funding, determine who would maintain the routes, and if there would be local transportation to some of the areas. Some areas may just need improvements on existing infrastructure, and some such as bike lanes may need more of the department of transportation input on development. Each community may want to collaborate on ways to educate visitors on proper use of trails, or introduce visitors to new locations. One of the best ways is to partner with as many places as possible to continue to prompte sustainability and continue to grow our outdoor activity areas, while preserving our natural resources.
Kevin Overbay: Not only do I see transportation pathways as beneficial, I believe they are essential to connecting our communities all while enhancing safety and not only encouraging but providing an alternative means of transportation. I have championed funding to pay for the consultant work that is currently underway with the hope of identifying and designing alignments in each connection corridor areas. I believe it will require state and federal funding to complete a robust system but also believe there is existing local funds that exist to offset maintenance without asking our residents to provide that funding.
Flint Hartwig: No, The pathways are too expensive and there is no plan to maintain and police them. Don't get me wrong, I love trails! I especially love public trails! With everyone suffering from inflation and so many houses trying to figure out how to get by I could not support pouring your property taxes into a trail right now. We need to spend that money on law enforcement and road improvements for the roads we already have. Sorry, probably not the answer you wanted.
Brad Hawkins: Connecting communities of North Central Washington together would indeed be beneficial, but it should be thoughtfully considered and carefully planned. It should continue to include extensive public involvement and an extensive community consideration process.
Establishing transportation pathways between our communities could come much easier for some communities than others, due to geographical conditions, availability of lands for sale, and public/private support.
In no way would I support use of “eminent domain” laws to acquire lands for this purpose. The connection of communities should only be accomplished through land purchases from “willing” sellers. Any plan eventually implemented should also appropriately acknowledge and mitigate for concerns raised by adjacent property owners and agricultural operators.
Brian Burnett: If you are referring to things such as the Apple Capitol Loop trail, then yes as I think this is a great way to invest in our communities, promoting healthy family activities.
Keith Goehner: Pathways connecting communities, in addition an economic benefit, can be helpful in providing evacuation routes, use for fire suppression, and the uniqueness of creative access to a particular landmark. This would take collaboration of the State and federal agencies and shared responsibility for maintenance of roads and trails.
Carmen Goers: I do see active transportation pathways being beneficial to North Central WA. Developing such pathways will require coordination at all levels of government. At the federal government level, should a pathway be placed onto federal land like our national forests, I want to ensure that we provide the forest services with resources needed to keep that pathway walkable, bikeable, and wheelchair accessible throughout the year.
Inclusivity in the Outdoors
What can we do to ensure access to open space, nature, and parks and recreation is more inclusive of our entire population in North Central WA?
Randy Agnew: I believe our open space, nature, parks, and recreation are inclusive for our entire population.
Paula Lamana: Advocating safe sustainable use of trails and land use for all can be through outreach such as community engagement through events, demonstrations at schools or local gatherings, social media etc. We promote equity, and diversity because as a community that is what we should be practicing. Trails in parks maybe altered to be ADA accessible, or promote easy trails for families with younger children. We can create safe environments with additonal lighting, safe parking, and signs in different languages if needed. If we can prioritize inclusitivity in the planning stages, we can develop and manage outdoor recreational areas with as much equal access as possible for all.
Kevin Overbay: I believe that some of that work is already being done on multiple levels. TREAD has been very inclusive since its inception and organizations like Wenatchee Outdoors and their outdoor program series as well as others have shown that outdoor recreation can be enjoyed by everyone regardless of ethnicity or socioeconomic status. Continued support of these organizations and programs as well as partnering with community organizations and our educational institutions will ensure all who wish to participate will have the opportunity to do so now and into the future.
Flint Hartwig: Don't discriminate against anyone.
Brad Hawkins: Access to our open spaces and parks, regardless of socioeconomic status, is extremely important. We very fortunate that community members can hike the foothills, ride mountain bike trails, and enjoy our waterfront parks with no fees. When I use these facilities, I see our entire community represented. We have many groups to thank for these opportunities, including the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust, Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, and Chelan County PUD. I thank these organizations – and others – for the opportunities they provide us all.
Brian Burnett: I'm not sure I have any specifics on this topic but I'm certainly open to hear recommendations, thoughts and ideas both from local and other communities that have already implemented successful programs or policy. Access to permitting for those living on a fixed income might be one additional thought.
Keith Goehner: With the availability of new equipment options, it would be good to have more education so people are made aware of the increased opportunities available to those who may have resigned themselves to not being able to recreate in some settings.
Carmen Goers: I have three goals to address inclusivity to outdoor recreation: 1) Support the development of equitable infrastructure; 2) Work with local communities to understand the needs and involvement in the planning and development of parks and open spaces on federal land; and 3) Support programs and activities that encourage participation for people of all abilities, backgrounds and socioeconomic groups. The public has the right to access our public lands, and I will work to ensure they can access them.
Sustainable Outdoor Recreation
Access to open space, public lands and outdoor recreation is a key part of our identity and quality of life in North Central WA. How can we ensure operators and managers of these resources remain effective and sustainable?
Randy Agnew: To be effective and sustainable, they have to have a funding mechanism that people are willing to support.
Paula Lamana: I would say if we are able to provide adequate funding, resources, community engagement, education, on why sustainability is so important to our area. There should be communication with all stakeholders and members of the area that will be impacted by high tourist traffic they may play a key role in educating tourists on the area. Training, as our area grows we will have to adapt and implement new methods of maintaining sustainability. Creating an infrastructure based on sustainability that can grow as we do by long range planning. This would give a snapshot of paths we can take in the future. Researching funding methods such as crowd funding or grants that would help us explore new solutions for a more sustainable future.
Kevin Overbay: That can be summed up with a few key actions. Partnerships built through collaboration and cooperation. Strategic planning and visioning that is developed and shared collectively by public and private landowners as well as recreational organizations. Stewardship strategies that ensure the protection of lands for future generations as well as travel management which ensures all residents have access but in a meaningful way so that all can enjoy what our region has to offer.
Flint Hartwig: Operators greatest threats right now are wasting money , too much bureaucracy and inflation. You should not be this difficult, costly or time consuming to put in a trailhead! Get the government out of the way and let the people be free to do what they want.
Brad Hawkins: Outdoor recreation is definitely a key part of our identity and quality of life. Throughout my years as State Senator, I often described our region as one known for its agriculture, hydropower, and outdoor recreation. As I mentioned previously, I am a beneficiary of our amazing outdoor recreation opportunities, and I’m grateful that now my children are beneficiaries as well.
We should be very grateful for what previous generations have provided to us and entrusted in us. It is now our responsibility to enhance and preserve these assets for the next generation. I have a proven history of working with local organizations to improve our quality of life in North Central Washington.
My experience with local officials and organizations – as well as state and federal officials – can help Chelan County maximize funding opportunities for these assets without straining local taxpayer funded operation and maintenance costs.
I am the clear choice to serve as your next Chelan County Commissioner because I can successfully represent the broad interests and diverse needs within our county. Whether the issues involve county budgeting, wildfire response, affordable housing, public safety, outdoor recreation, or other issues not yet determined, I am the most experienced and best qualified candidate to help us. I would be honored to have your vote!
You can learn more about me at bradhawkins.org.
Brian Burnett: I'm a huge proponent of keeping our Public lands accessible. All too often we see locked gates on green dot roads, minimizing the publics access to these public lands. I also understand that vandalism and blatant disregard to those lands has lead to vandalism and negative environmental impacts. A sustainable funding for better Law Enforcement forest patrols would definitely help in this area. This needs to have a balance and partnership between local, state and federal agencies.
Keith Goehner: Government agencies need to have clear expectations and accountability measures for operators and managers in order to ensure the environment is preserved while allowing the public to enjoy the landscape. There may be a need to curtail certain operators' privileges.
Carmen Goers: At the federal level, there are two points that I would like to address: 1) proper and adequate land management and 2) adequate funding to address the deferred maintenance of federal public lands. Failing to do that means that many trails will be overgrown and unusable.