Commitment at All Levels of Government
Federal, state, local and tribal agencies each play a vital role in protecting Washington's natural resources, while regulating forest practices in government-managed forests.
United States Forest Service
The United States Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, oversees seven national forests and is the largest government forest manager in Washington, caring for 7.7 million acres of the forests in the state. Their practice of forest management in Washington emphasizes wilderness preservation, protection of scenic areas, providing wildlife habitat, and the creation of recreational opportunities. Almost no commercial harvest occurs in Washington's national forests.
- Washington National Forests
National Park Service
The National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages 1.4 million acres of forest in three national parks in Washington. Protecting our national parks' resources, while providing opportunity for public enjoyment of the parks, is the primary goal of this federal agency.
- Washington National Parks and Monuments
Washington State Department of Natural Resources
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources is the second largest government forest manager behind the USDA Forest Service. It oversees 2.2 million acres of forested state trust lands, protecting public resources, preventing and suppressing forest fires, and regulating forest practices.
Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, manages about 50,000 acres of forestland in the state of Washington. The focus of the BLM is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Their office manages about 85,000 acres of forestland in Washington, mostly within National Wildlife Refuges, small wetlands, and other special management areas. Other key functions of this agency include enforcing federal wildlife laws, protecting endangered species, and conserving habitat.
Native American Forestland
The Native American tribes of Washington manage about 1.5 million acres of forestland, which is around 7% of the state's total forests. Carrying on their ancestral traditions, the native people of Washington successfully manage and protect the forest environment and sustain themselves with the rich resources that the forestland provides.