Union Volunteers Enhance Walk-In Access
With populations of elk, deer, moose, bear, sheep and game birds and diverse fish species, Washington State offers phenomenal hunting and fishing opportunities. Last November, approximately 40 union members representing UA Locals 26 and 32 and IUPAT District Council #5 and their Joint Apprentice Training Committees teamed up with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to help protect quality hunting and fishing access by building and installing large gates on hunter walk-in access roads.
Not only did union members donate their time, local unions donated their welding facilities, weld rods, painting and sandblasting equipment, while 10 contractors donated pipe and other supplies. The project, which is expected to be completed this spring, enhances hunting and fishing opportunities not only for the many union members who enjoy those pastimes but also for sportsmen and women across the state.
“Access continues to be one of the most pressing concerns for sportsmen and women today,” said USA Executive Director and CEO Fred Myers. “And the time and resources union volunteers invested in building and installing gates on Walk-In access roads will help protect the quality of the land available to the public for hunting and fishing in Washington State.”
Contractors that Donated Materials:
Auburn Mechanical
Design Air Inc.
Holmberg Plumbing and Heating
JH Kelly Inc.
JP Francis Mechanical
MacDonald Miller Inc.
McKinstry Mechanical Inc.
Pacific Mechanical Inc.
PSF Mechanical
Shinn Mechanical
UA Members Who Donated Pipe
Wayne Stedman - (Retired UA Local 32 Steamfitter)
Russ Thompson - (UA Local 26 Plumber)
UA Gate Build Project Leaders:
Dale Copeland - Instructor
Tom Barrett - Instructor
Dale Wentworth - Training Coordinator
Jeff Zeilinski - Training Coordinator
Elmer Arter - Training Coordinator
Jay Cleavenger - Instructor
IUPAT Painting Project Leaders
Robert Rahkonen - Training Coordinator
Edwin Lopez-Sarmiento - Instructor
