Pierce County considers timber sale, plans to thin 200 acres | Tacoma News Tribune

The Pierce County Council is considering an ordinance to thin 200 acres of trees in the Buckley Forest Preserve to improve forest health and resilience against climate change, drought, and wildfires. This initiative is projected to generate at least $131,000 from timber sales, which will be allocated to enhance the preserve's health and recreational opportunities. However, local residents have expressed concerns about the condition of 134th Street East and its capacity to accommodate increased logging truck traffic. In response, council member Dave Morell, who sponsored the ordinance, has called for a delay in the vote until December 17 to allow for a thorough analysis of these concerns. The Buckley Forestland Preserve was acquired in 2012 through the Conservation Futures program, focusing on forest protection and wildlife habitat.

The proposed thinning aligns with the Buckley Forestland Preserve Management Plan, which emphasizes reducing tree density to improve forest health and warns that overly dense forests are more vulnerable to decline, especially amid climate change. This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the importance of sustainable forest management practices that protect the environment while enhancing community recreational opportunities.