Groups call on DNR to manage public forests for the public good, including diverse economic and environmental values, in accordance with the state constitution.
We’re relieved to announce that as of Wednesday, February 21, 2018, Washington Engrossed Senate Bill 6140 has been amended by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Concerning public land transfer provisions have been removed and a commitment to consider the value of ecosystem services and recreation benefits in a state forest land assessment have been added through Amendment 202, sponsored by Representative Mike Chapman.
At the behest of the timber industry, a bill is moving through the Washington State Legislature that could force more logging and even transfer publically-owned state lands to counties or private owners. This is no idle threat as the bill, Senate Bill 6140, has already passed the Senate.