NEWS RELEASE
July 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dan A. Nelson, ORCAA Public Information Officer, Ext. 111
2005 Hike for Clean Air
The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency (ORCAA) invites you to Hike for Clean Air this summer.
Clean air is essential to our health, of course, but poor air quality also impacts our recreation-a layer of fine particulate matter in the air can turn a grandiose view of the Bailey Range into a hazy, featureless horizon.
Olympic National Park, in the heart of the peninsula, stands as a World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve-distinctions marking it as one of the most pristine, and lovely, wild areas on the planet. Yet the spectacular Olympic views enjoyed by outdoor enthusiasts from around the world depend on clean air. As does the health of anyone who lives on, or visits, the peninsula.
The health problems associated with poor air quality far outweigh the health problems stemming from all other forms of pollution. Poor air quality frequently leads to asthma attacks, breathing problems, reduced lung capacity, headaches, migraines, increased blood toxins, and general physical distress. Children and seniors are particularly susceptible to airborne pollution.
To increase awareness of air quality issues within our spectacular wild areas, ORCAA has partnered with the state's leading outdoor recreation organization, the Washington Trails Association. ORCAA's 2005 Hike for Clean Air is part of WTA's annual Hike-A-Thon program.
Hikers who participate in the Hike-A-Thon, and log trail miles on any trails within ORCAA's six-county jurisdiction, are eligible for great prizes, including day packs from Camelbak and Arc'Teryx. For the Hike-A-Thon, Washington hikers simply need to get out and hike, log their miles, and collect pledges from friends & family. These pledges will support Washington Trails Association's work to protect and maintain trails in Washington,while raising awareness of air quality issues .
To participate, simple visit www.wta.org for full details. The 2005 Hike for Clean Air and WTA Hike-A-Thon is kicked of July 30, 2005, with a guided hike up the Tubal Cain Trail in the Dungeness Valley near Sequim. For more hike details, call ORCAA at (360) 586-1044, x111.
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The Olympic Region Clean Air Agency protects and enhances air quality for citizens in Thurston, Mason, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson, and Pacific counties by enforcing federal, state and local air quality regulations. If you have questions specific to the topic above, or just general questions about local air quality, contact ORCAA at (360) 586-1044 or 1-800-422-5623, or visit ORCAA's website, www.orcaa.org.