The Washington State Legislature concluded its work over the weekend, wrapping up the 2023 session Sunday. There were the usual complement of high-profile policy bills and budget decisions. But as usual, there were also a slew of simple, good bills that quietly made their made through the session with bipartisan support relatively unnoticed. It is in these batch of bills where … Read More
Working forests critical to addressing climate change
The Whatcom County Forestry Advisory Committee invited researcher Dr. Edie Sonne Hall of Three Trees Consulting to speak at their April meeting and share her insights on how forest management mitigates climate change. The topic is timely as communities, governments and policymakers search for ways to reduce the amount of CO2 gas in our atmosphere to lessen the impacts of … Read More
Honoring Billy Frank Jr.
On March 9th of every year, Northwest Treaty Tribes, schools and numerous agencies and organizations (including the Washington Forest Protection Association) throughout Washington state celebrate Billy Frank Jr. Day. The ninth day in March, Frank’s birthday, is a day to recognize and honor a man who left an indelible mark in the state’s history and beyond. For those who had … Read More
2023 Washington Legislative session begins
After two years of remote lawmaking, Washington state legislators returned to Olympia for the first in-person session since 2020. A return to pre-pandemic normal means legislative buildings are once again open to the public and there will be more face-to-face interactions with lawmakers – albeit some adjustments in the House and Senate have been made to support the health and … Read More
2022 Year in Review
Washington’s private forest landowners continue to lead the way, and 2022 was no different. Whether it is applying the best science to support salmon recovery efforts or following proven-effective approaches to promote healthy, resilient forests, working forests demonstrate every day that they provide environmental, economic and societal benefits throughout the state. This is all happening while Washington’s foresters supply communities … Read More
114th WFPA Annual Meeting recognizes, celebrates working forests
Collaboration and building strong partnerships were the overarching themes at the 114th Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) Annual Meeting in Olympia. The meeting, which can be viewed on TVW in parts one and two, featured forestry sector leaders and elected officials recognizing the critical role Washington’s working foresters and private forest landowners play in the state’s economy, salmon recovery and … Read More
Late wildfire season underscores importance of forest management
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources reported the 2022 wildfire season to be the least destructive in a decade with just over 140,300 acres burned by October 7th. In addition to a dedicated firefighting crew and key partnerships with other agencies, Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz credited the passage of HB 1168 – passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2021 … Read More
Celebrating renewable, environmentally friendly forest products
This time of year is particularly special for working forests and the forestry sector because the third week in October is designated as National Forest Products Week. This is a time for US residents to recognize and honor the important contributions working forests and the forestry sector provide for the nation, state and local communities. Working forests and the forest … Read More
State recognizes large private forest landowners
Washington agencies recently honored many of the state’s largest private forest landowners – including several Washington Forest Protection Association members – for their efforts to improve fish habitat. During the August Forest Practices Board meeting and in a joint news release, Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Ecology (DOE) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) applauded … Read More
State forest practices study finds high compliance among working forests
Working forests remain committed partners to protecting and improving fish habitat. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its biennium Compliance Monitoring Program report assessing how well working forests are conforming to forest practice rules put in place to protect riparian areas on both sides of streams to keep water cool and clean. The report found that an … Read More