WA to conserve 77,000 acres of older forests on state lands

Washington's Department of Natural Resources plans to conserve 77,000 acres of "structurally complex forests," while still permitting logging on 29,000 acres. Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove heralded the initiative as a significant advancement in forest conservation efforts. However, both environmentalists and the logging industry expressed dissatisfaction with the balance struck in the plan. Conservationists, particularly the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition, criticized the logging allowance, arguing it jeopardizes critical forest areas, while industry groups warned of potential job losses and reduced public revenue. Despite these concerns, the Department of Natural Resources will proceed with many paused timber sales and is exploring alternative revenue strategies, such as carbon credit sales, to support the conserved lands.

The agency manages nearly 6 million acres of state public land, including 3 million acres of trust lands that generate revenue for local governments. The decision reflects ongoing tensions between conservation goals and economic interests in Washington's forest sector. Upthegrove's plan aims to balance ecological stewardship with the economic needs of communities dependent on timber.