Unhealthy forests and climate change played a significant role in this year’s wildfires, but state lawmakers can help prevent the catastrophic damage and devastation from future massive wildfires, according to an opinion piece authored by leaders representing private forestland owners, the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and an environmental organization. In an op-ed penned by Washington Forest Protection Association … Read More
Report names forestry sector as part of Washington’s green economy
Forestry is a vital component of Washington state’s green economy and climate change response, according to a state report that analyzed ways to connect that state’s greenhouse gas emission targets with economic development. The Washington State Department of Commerce and its Green Economy Work Group published a report this summer identifying forestry and building materials, energy, agriculture and water as … Read More
Researchers, architects look to wood for a sustainable, innovative future
Top: Image courtesy of B+H Architects. Bottom: UW–Madison engineers and collaborators have constructed a functional microwave amplifier circuit — a common piece of electronics used in wireless communications — on a flexible substrate made of wood fiber. Image by Huilong Zhang. Transparent wood, electronic components made from trees, and the City of Seattle’s most traveled bridge made from innovative … Read More
2020 Tree Farmer of the Year – a love of the land, legacy of stewardship
The Washington Tree Farm Program announced this week that a family-run tree farm in Lewis County is the recipient of this year’s top tree farmer honor. Patty Vance, owner and manager of the Elmore Vance Tree Farm, was named 2020 Washington State Tree Farmer of the Year. Elmore Vance Tree Farm, located six miles south of Randle, is a 148-acre … Read More
Darrington Wood Innovation Center could bring jobs, economic opportunity
Cutting-edge timber products may soon be synonymous with a community in north Snohomish County. The Town of Darrington announced last month plans to develop the Darrington Wood Innovation Center, a state-of-the-art commercial campus that aims to house and attract new wood fiber-based materials and manufacturing companies. The planned 100-acre Wood Innovation Center campus in northeast Darrington is made possible with … Read More
SDS Lumber Company, Columbia Land Trust announce conservation of 4,900 acres
Habitat supporting fish and wildlife along the Klickitat River Canyon in Yakima County will forever be preserved, due in large part to generous support from SDS Lumber Company and Columbia Land Trust. SDS Lumber Company and Columbia Land Trust recently announced that 4,900 acres would be added to the Klickitat Canyon Conservation Area. The recently conserved land, which the Columbia … Read More
Drones provide foresters a new perspective
The forestry industry has long integrated innovative approaches and new technology into its operations. After all, active forest management relies on the latest science and best practices to promote healthy, resilient forests. And just as active forest management is essential to practicing sustainable forestry, incorporating technology and new advances has helped foresters and working forests better manage their renewable resources. … Read More
Interactive website offers a forester’s view
Is a forest merely a collection of trees? The dictionary defines forests as a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth. But at least in the case of working forests, there is much more than what a cursory glance or dictionary definition can convey. To help illustrate the complexities and thoughtful planning that is required of a working forest, … Read More
Will a wetter spring dampen wildfire season?
Could Washington state’s wetter and cooler than normal spring on both sides of the Cascades dampen the summer wildfire season? In a recent three-part interview with the AgInfo Network, University of Washington atmospheric sciences professor Cliff Mass stated that the cooler and wetter conditions in May and June “gives us a good start” and is creating a “very favorable” situation … Read More
Pandemic could result in longer burning wildfires
Wildfires could take longer to extinguish this summer due to the pandemic, Gov. Jay Inslee announced during his June 4th press conference. According to Inslee, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources cautioned that it could “take 25% longer to suppress these fires because of the necessary limitations we have dealing with COVID-19.” Writing about Inslee’s announcement, the Chinook Observer … Read More