Looking for ways to help the ag families who have been impacted by recent wildfires? Plus, make plans to attend the upcoming USDA NRCS wildfire webinar.
September 23, 2020
Last week, I wrote a blog titled, “Log it, graze it or watch it burn,” that detailed how environmental extremists and their “do not touch” policies, both on the federal and state levels, have left the forests and range of our beloved western states vulnerable to the incredibly damaging wildfires.
In case you missed that post, click here.
The response to that blog post was so great, that I decided to launch a fundraiser to help raise money to support the farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by these devastating wildfires. For three days, I sold sweatshirts on social media with the phrase, “Log it, graze it or watch it burn,” but the problem was, I wasn’t sure where to send the proceeds.
I began researching groups and organizations who are helping in these efforts, and I wanted to share this list with all of you, in case you feel called to help your fellow cattlemen and women as they face the unthinkable — dead cattle, destroyed pastures, torched fences, barns and homes, no hay, smoke inhalation and more.
These folks are living in actual hell right now, and any effort to help would be wonderful. This is where the ranching community shines brightest, so check out this list of fundraising efforts. I couldn’t pick just one, so I’m spreading my donations around to several. And even if you don’t have an extra $5 to donate, consider sharing this blog post to help spread the word on social media and encourage others to get involved, as well.
1. Duncan Family Farms Hay Fundraiser
Brittany and Geff Duncan write, “Duncan Family Farms has accomplished getting over 300 tons of hay to the Okanogan County area where the Cold Springs, Pearl Hill, and Apple Acres wildfires all collided together to create one massive fire. We could not have done this without the outpouring support from our community with monetary, hay and transportation donations.
“We are rallying to send another three semi truckloads of our hay over this week. These farmers and ranchers are trying to fathom having no feed for the winter and will suffer if we cannot keep getting them help. We will be loading up our tractor, fencing equipment, tools, post-pounder, and any materials we have in our shop.
“We will stay for a few weeks to get these rancher's fences rebuilt. We can build around a mile of fencing per day, so we'll tackle one ranch at a time. Please, if you can make a monetary donation, these proceeds will continue to fill truckloads of hay to feed these animals and sharing this link to keep spreading the word.”
2. KXLY rounds up charitable organizations to support in Washington
KXLY lists where you can donate:
Red Cross is accepting financial donations for Washington wildfires.
United Way has established a community relief fund for Whitman County.
Project Beauty Share is asking for donations of your hygiene items—shampoo, toothbrushes, soap bars and razors—which they will deliver to families who have lost their homes.
3. Wildland Firefighter Foundation
According to the organization’s website, “The Foundation provides help to the families of wildland firefighters who have lost their lives or are injured in the line of duty.
“The Foundation came together as a group of volunteers in 1994, shortly after the Storm King tragedy. With dedication and lots of volunteer work, plans were developed for a national monument to honor firefighters, a dream that was realized in May 2000.
“The Foundation was officially formed in the spring of 1999. Our board members realized that there was a great need to have emergency support services for the families of fallen firefighters.
Active volunteers and supporters of wildland firefighters established the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, a 501(c)3 to maintain the Wildland Firefighters National Monument at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) in Boise, Idaho.