July 31, 2024
ISSUE 31
50¢
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Washington gray wolves to remain classified as an endangered species By Carleen Johnson The Center Square
A look at the railroad’s history as the old Tacoma line
Courtesy of the MRSRR
More than a train ride
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is a journey through history By Merrick Parnell
Just a 15-minute drive from Eatonville, the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad in Elbe offers a unique summer activity for locals and visitors alike. The railroad's route originated as the Tacoma Eastern Railway in the 1890s, initially serving as a crucial transport link for Northwest forest resources. Over time, it evolved into a vital route for both freight and passenger travel between Tacoma and the Mount Rainier area. Eventually, the focus shifted to scenic tours, highlighting the natural beauty of Mount Rainier and its surroundings. “We offer a step back in time — a train ride aboard 100-plus year-old equipment, operated just as they were originally built,” said Bethan Maher,
The Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission has decided not to change the endangered species status of gray wolves in the state. In a pair of 5-4 votes earlier this month, the commission rejected the recommendation of the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife to downlist the wolves to either "threatened" or "sensitive." Downlisting the wolves would have meant lesser penalties for poaching, as well as somewhat easier access to permits to kill wolves that attack livestock. Ahead of the vote, Julia Smith, endangered species recovery manager at WDFW, told members of the state Fish and Wildlife Commission that the gray wolf would still be protected, even if its status were changed. “Protective measures would remain for wolves in Washington if the proposed rule amendments are approved,” she said. Smith told commissioners there was a 90day public comment period on the proposed change. “During that period we received almost 14,000 submissions and almost 90% of the submissions were copies or slight variations of six form letters,” Smith said, noting most of the those were in opposition to the reclassification of wolves. Gov. Jay Inslee urged commission members not to downlist the gray wolf status to sensitive, arguing the future impacts of climate change– such as wildfires and droughts – could threaten the animals' recovery. The state's gray wolf population has WOLVES Page 3Æ
Courtesy of the MRSRR The MRSRR steam trains working hard to haul adventurers Executive Director of Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad. The railway journey traverses remote landscapes, including the Nisqually River, Roundtop, and Mineral Creek, offering passengers a glimpse of nature
often inaccessible to families or non-hikers. In addition to its regular scenic steam train trips, the railroad hosts special events TRAIN Page 3Æ
Adobe Stock Image