Legacy Forest Defense Coalition challenges Stilly Revisited timber sale in Arlington

The Stilly Revisited timber sale, which spans 152 acres of predominantly Douglas firs and western hemlocks in Arlington, Washington, is currently facing legal challenges from environmental groups arguing that the state's logging plans violate its commitment to preserving old-growth forests. The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition and the North Cascades Conservation Council have filed a lawsuit against the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), claiming the agency has neglected its legal obligations to protect forests crucial for biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Stephen Kropp, the coalition's founder, emphasized that many trees scheduled for logging could have been preserved if the DNR had adhered to its policies. The DNR recently awarded the logging contract to Sierra Pacific Industries for over $3 million, prompting the coalition to seek an injunction to halt logging activities while the legal appeal is processed. Proceeds from the timber sale are intended for local institutions, including the Arlington School District and Washington State University.

In response to the lawsuit, DNR officials have stated they will produce a detailed administrative record to justify their land management decisions. This case highlights the ongoing tension between timber harvesting for economic benefit and the need to conserve essential forest ecosystems, reflecting broader environmental concerns and the push for sustainable forest management practices in the region.