New state policy could affect timber sales in Snohomish County

EVERETT — A drastic shift in the state’s interpretation of its sustainable forest policy will affect when and what types of forests can be harvested in Washington.

Earlier this month, the Department of Natural Resources board passed a resolution allowing the agency to sell mature forests for harvest instead of setting the trees aside for habitat conservation. Advocacy groups are frustrated with the quick and major change in policy interpretation.

The new interpretation could influence ongoing litigation in Snohomish County, where the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition is suing the department for the Stilly Revisited timber sale to Sierra Pacific Industries. The site, filled with century-old Douglas firs and western hemlocks, is 13 miles northeast of Arlington. In July, DNR sold the land for $3 million.

In 2006, the agency created the Policy for Sustainable Forests. The document states within 100 years, the agency will manage 10% to 15% of the state’s land designated as habitat for at-risk species into “older” forests. Management can include thinning certain trees so the forest evolves into something that resembles old growth.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/new-state-policy-could-affect-timber-sales-in-snohomish-county/