In 1999, Washington state constructed a forest administration framework that balances environmental safety with financial stability. It’s referred to as the Forests & Fish Regulation, and it was solid by means of collaboration — we each had been main co-sponsors — and based mostly on ongoing scientific evaluation. At this time, these guidelines are being rewritten with no consideration of options; as a consequence, we are going to lose the belief of property house owners who have given up billions of dollars to protect the environment.
Earlier this yr, Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove paused timber sales on state belief lands of mature forests, stands which are prepared to reap — promising a six-month review of the gross sales. Nevertheless, that six-month overview has stretched to 9 months with no sign of ending. There aren’t any scientific findings, and no plans introduced for resuming operations on the 23 timber gross sales that had been deliberate for the primary half of 2025.
In the meantime, Washington timber counties, mills, staff and taxpayers bear the price and have misplaced practically 40% of the state timberland revenues projected by means of September. Almost $25 million in timber gross sales income has but to achieve faculties, fireplace departments and county companies. This implies taxpayers within the affected communities face cuts in companies or increased taxes to make up for the shortfall. The actual affect to those communities from the harvest delay have to be thought of.
The disregard for science and course of can also be being felt on non-public lands, because the Forest Practices Board needs to dramatically increase streamside buffer requirements, or zones requiring more trees, on streams the place there aren’t any fish. The rule would develop buffer zones on some lands by as much as 140% — the widths of the proposed buffers differ from 50 to 75 toes, relying on website circumstances — regardless of no clear scientific discovering that the present forestry guidelines are failing or that the proposed change would enhance water high quality or habitat. Estimates show the rule would trigger steep losses to the state financial system over one harvest rotation and may very well be carried out with out legislative approval.
Why is that this an issue? As a result of the brand new rule is predicated on flawed assumptions.
The Division of Ecology advised the Forest Practices Board technical work group {that a} 0.3°C temperature change was a water high quality violation, a strict regulatory restrict. Nevertheless, scientific proof exhibits adjustments to stream temperature throughout timber harvest are properly under salmon-safe temperature requirements. Transferring forward with this resolution with out contemplating the implications violates Forest Practices Board guidelines and procedures.
The result’s a brand new rule that might take another 235,000 acres out of personal working forests. This might imply the lack of two sawmills and sufficient timber from native lands that might construct 15,000 houses every year. Washington’s Forests & Fish regulation already put aside practically 20% of all non-public forestlands to guard streams, fish and wildlife in landscapes ruled by a few of the strictest forestry guidelines on this planet. The brand new burden will fall squarely on property house owners, price rural jobs and injury our forest merchandise infrastructure.
This one-two punch of pausing state belief land timber gross sales and setting apart extra non-public working forests in buffer zones will devastate Washington’s timber communities and the administration of our forestlands. It’s time to get again to collaboration on options that profit all of Washington. Formal public touch upon the proposed rule has closed. However you may contact the Forest Practices Board at: forest.practicesboard@dnr.wa.gov
