(State Rep. Mike Chapman, photo courtesy of Washington State Legislature) The 2021 legislative session, scheduled to begin on January 11th, will be unlike any in history as the state continues to feel the effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The leadership from both chambers announced in late 2020 that the 2021 session will, for the most part, be conducted virtually. … Read More
2020 Year in Review: Five headlines underscore the importance of working forests
The Forestry sector can help address climate change: Sustainably managed working forests and the forestry sector as a whole is an important part of the state’s response to climate change, according to Washington state lawmakers, state agencies and 48 nationally recognized environmental and business leaders. During the 2020 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature passed and Gov. Jay Inslee signed … Read More
Wildfire data confirms 2020 a year of destructive blazes
The 2020 wildfire season was among the most devastating seasons on record, according to the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) wildfire data collected by KING-TV. The blazes that dominated headlines over the summer claimed a life, burned hundreds of thousands of acres, destroyed homes, created unhealthy air quality conditions, and marred the skyline with smoke. In only one other year, … Read More
Private working forests help mitigate climate change
Forest landowners and wood products manufacturers across the United States are well-positioned to optimize the carbon potential of sustainable working forests. Leaders from 48 environmental, conservation and forest business leaders across the country recognize that private working forests and forest products can play an important role in mitigating climate change. Among the signatories are Washington Forest Protection Association members Green … Read More
State Compliance Monitoring Report shows private forestland owners’ commitment to forest practice rules
Private forestland owners continue to have excellent compliance with state forest practice rules, according to a new report from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). With forest landowners between 92 – 100 % in compliance with state rules in their timber harvests and forest road construction, the 2018-2019 Biennium Forest Practices Compliance Monitoring Report indicated some of the highest compliance … Read More
Website provides engaging, kid-focused information about working forests
A new online resource about Washington’s working forests is providing engaging, kid-friendly information as the majority of the state’s students continue distance learning in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) has launched a website – Learn About Forestry – featuring a forestry learning center and various youth-focused activities that take students indoors and outdoors. … Read More
National Forest Products Week focuses on supply chain
The third week in the month of October marks National Forest Products Week, which aims to highlight the value of forest products and the vital role wood products play in every US resident’s life. This year, a renewed appreciation for paper products and the importance of maintaining the forest products supply chain was brought to light during the early days … Read More
Op-ed urges lawmakers to invest, support forest health and wildfire plans
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