FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 17, 2023
Contact: Cindy Mitchell, 360-791-9372
WFPA highlights benefits healthy, working forests provide at Annual Meeting
Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) members and forestry sector partners convened Thursday (November 16th) at the Indian Summer Golf & Country Club for the 2023 annual meeting. WFPA, the trade association for the state’s private forest landowners, is a leading voice in sustainable forest practices and championing the numerous contributions Washington’s working forests provide for the state’s economy, stewardship, sustainable resource management, history and quality of life.
WFPA executive director Jason Spadaro and State Rep. JT Wilcox.
WFPA President Robert Bass provided welcome remarks and touched on the importance of collaboration to promote healthy, productive and resilient forests. WFPA executive director Jason Spadaro highlighted the special role of working forests in safeguarding the environment and providing carbon-friendly materials. Much of the day was devoted to spotlighting the numerous benefits healthy working forests provide for communities, wildlife and the environment. Forestry sector leaders moderated discussions on forest health, maintaining biodiversity and supporting wildlife, bioenergy opportunities, and Washington state’s carbon advantage in wood construction.
In addition, Washington Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz provided the keynote address and spoke of the importance of healthy, productive forests. WFPA recognized Rep. JT Wilcox (R-Yelm) with the Stu Bledsoe Award. Among the state lawmakers who participated in panel discussions, Sen. Liz Lovelett(D-Anacortes), Sen. Ron Muzzall (R-Whidbey Island), Rep. Melanie Morgan (D-Parkland) and Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way) shared with the audience their insights on the upcoming legislative session. The Washington Tree Farm Program also awarded Townsend’s Coburg Tree Farm the Tree Farmer of the Year Award. For those interested in a report on the science, NCASI is hosting a webinar December 5th, 10:30 am PST called: NCASI Technical Program Activity Update – Forest Environment & Sustainability.
Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz.
You can check out the 2023 WFPA annual report here.
WFPA was founded in 1908 when leaders in the timber business mailed letters to timberland owners inviting them to form a voluntary association to suppress forest fires. The group has grown over the last century and now represents private forest landowners growing and harvesting trees on about 4 million acres in Washington. Members are large and small companies, individuals and families who practice sustainable forestry in Washington’s private forests.
About the Washington Forest Protection Association
The Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) represents private forest landowners growing and harvesting trees on about 4 million acres in Washington State. Members of the 113-year-old association are large and small companies, individuals and families who practice sustainable forestry in Washington’s private forests. For more information, go to www.wfpa.org.
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