FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 4, 2010
Statement by Peter Goldmark on John Arum
OLYMPIA – As Commissioner of Public lands, I would like to share my sincere condolences with the family and friends of John Arum, who perished in a tragic mountaineering accident this past week.
John was a passionate advocate for environmental protection and sound environmental policy. While, on occasion, John and the Department of Natural Resources were at odds, we all agreed that the beauty of Washington’s wild places was worth protecting.
In addition to being our friend, John was an outstanding legal advocate who provided a great public service in representing his conservation group and tribal clients. All of the citizens of Washington have benefitted from his excellent work on behalf of natural resources, and we will remember him for his deep love for the camping in the woods, climbing our highest mountains, and fighting for Puget Sound.
Again, the entire Department of Natural Resources and I extend our condolences and best wishes to John’s family. We have lost a friend who never stopped advocating for the public interest.
Media Contact: Edie Gilliss, Senior Advisor, 360-902-1725, edie.gilliss@dnr.wa.gov
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