Dear friends and neighbors,
I had the opportunity to tour the Methow Valley in Okanogan County, located in north-central Washington.
I was joined by other members of the Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee, and we saw efforts to increase water storage through the reintroduction of beavers to the hills outside Winthrop. We also were part of a very informative roundtable with cattle ranchers and the director of the Department of Fish and Wildlife, discussing the challenges they face with wolves, tariffs, environmental challenges and more.
But the majority of the tour was spent discussing ways to prevent, contain and help communities recover from wildfires. The Methow Valley has been particularly hard hit by fires in recent years, and the frequency and intensity of these fires are literally changing the environment. The intense heat has altered the molecular structure of the soil, preventing water from being absorbed by the ground like normal and putting this area at a much higher risk for dangerous mud flows. We saw another forest that had been so frequently touched by wildfire it has gone from a conifer forest to one comprised of deciduous trees.
It’s our job in the Legislature, and my job as chair of the Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee and a capital budget writer, to ensure the Department of Natural Resources has the tools and resources it needs to keep our forests healthy and communities safe. It’s also important we take the threat of wildfires seriously and that fire and smoke are not our new normal.
The importance of access to ports and health care
I was honored by the Washington Public Ports Association with their 2025 Compass Award, and by NEW Health, which advocates for better health care access and outcomes, with their 2025 NEW Health Champion award.
The health of our ports and access to health care, particularly for those of us living in rural areas, is so important and sometimes difficult.
As one of the country’s most trade-dependent states, Washington’s ports are critical to our community and our entire state in terms of jobs and economic activity. The folks who make our ports work have essential and challenging jobs. I do everything possible to ensure they have what they need through the operating and transportation budget process.
Much of the same can be said when it comes to health care. I’m sure you’ve heard about the Medicaid cuts made by the federal government and the loss of access to care and potential closure of hospitals, primarily in rural areas. It’s important we do even more to help these hospitals and the patients who need them. In my last newsletter, we talked about the opening of the new wing of the Jefferson Healthcare building in Port Townsend. Similar to that facility, a clinic in Chewelah in eastern Washington, expanded through funding from our state capital construction budget, will provide wrap around health care services for people living in Ferry, Stevens, and Pend Orielle counties.
I truly appreciate being recognized for this work by these two great organizations, but nothing that happens in Olympia is accomplished alone. A lot of people worked very hard in a bipartisan manner to bring these ideas to reality.
Come work with us in Olympia!
Do you know a college junior or senior interested in learning more about the Legislature? Applications are now open for our internship program. Interns get paid to work with member offices, participate in mock debates, meet with statewide elected officials, and more — all while earning academic credit. Learn more and apply today at this link.
Stay in touch
Our office is always ready to help you. Please don’t hesitate to contact us and share your thoughts or concerns. This work can’t — and shouldn’t — happen without you.
Thank you for being such an essential part of our community and for your continued trust. It is an honor to serve you in Olympia.
Mike Chapman
