In November 2006, incredible damage occurred at Mount Rainier National Park resulting from record-setting rainfall, overflowing rivers and mudslides from several winter storms. Damage to Mount Rainier National Park includes the devastation and closure of numerous campgrounds, and many of the park's most popular outdoor recreation areas, including sections of the Wonderland Trail. Estimates of the damage were at $30 million and counting, according to Mount Rainier National Park officials.

As a first step to our response, we committed $75,000 in support of the recovery and restoration effort. REI stores in Washington state distributed self-mailer remit envelopes as bag stuffers in customer shopping bags. The envelopes invited customers to make a financial donation to Washington's National Park Fund. To date, nearly $31,000 has been donated by our generous members and customers.

In 2007, we will work with the Washington Trails Association to coordinate volunteer work parties with our employees, members and customers to help restore this national treasure.