5-16 NWR

Economic analysis by American Farm Bureau indicates the Trans Pacific Partnership is a net positive for U.S. agriculture. The AFB supports a swift passage of the Trans Pacific Partnership trade and investment agreement. Sharon Bomer with the office of the U.S. Trade Representative says the agreement will boost exports and open new markets for farmers and ranchers. " The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement provides an excellent opportunity for America's farmers and ranchers to expand their exports to the Asia Pacific region. That region is one of the high-growth areas in the world where 40% of current global GDP exists and already $63 billion worth of American food and agricultural products are exported." One of the new Asia Pacific markets that would open as a result of TPP is Japan.

In other news, if you are driving by some forest areas and see smoke, it may be just a controlled burn. For example, the Washington Department of Fish and wildlife has announced that they will be conducting prescribed burns throughout entire month of May. The same is true in Oregon and Idaho.