By Washington Forest Protection Association Produced by ST Content Studio Fire has always played a significant role in Pacific Northwest forests. Fire in the Cascades, historically sparked by lightning strikes, led to a natural succession that cleared debris on the forest floor, eliminated old and weaker individual trees, provided room for new plant growth, and, in the case of ponderosa pines, … Read More
UW Architecture students look to wood
University of Washington College of Built Environments architecture students took their skills beyond the classroom, designing and constructing unique benches throughout the Seattle campus. The project, which combined practical design experience with enhancing the campus environment, resulted in functional and visually engaging seating areas made of wood sourced from Washington timber suppliers. Sustainable Forestry Initiative Implementation Committee (SIC) generously provided … Read More
Scientists explore cutting-edge applications for wood
Wood and forest products have long been appreciated as a versatile and sustainable material. But recent innovations are pushing the boundaries of its potential even further. Researchers around the globe are exploring new and exciting applications for wood and wood products, underscoring its role not just as a traditional building material but as a key resource in the future of … Read More
Why a balanced approach leads to healthy forests
Forests play a critical role in our ecosystem, economy and quality of life. However, the misguided notion that the best way to preserving forests is leaving forestlands untouched is not only outdated but also potentially harmful. Actively managing forests to reduce wildfire severity is a long-held indigenous practice that has gained renewed support among individuals and organizations representing diverse interests, … Read More
We can reduce catastrophic wildfires
Fire, drought, insect infestations, disease outbreaks and weather-related disturbances have always been a part of the natural forest cycle. It’s true fire can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy balance in forests by lowering the accumulation of fuel levels and allowing for ample space for trees to grow. Yet the destructive fires that have dominated news headlines the past several … Read More
Lawmakers provide tools to help forest landowners address illegal dumping
Private forest landowners in Washington state are proud of their contributions to the local, rural communities where they operate. In addition to protecting watersheds, providing habitat for fish and wildlife, and providing well-paying rural jobs, private landowners offer hundreds of thousands of acres of open land for public recreation. Private forestlands provide access to hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, biking, horseback … Read More
Working Forests help achieve Washington’s Climate Reduction Goals
Washington State is one of the best places in the world to grow and harvest trees. The state has the highest percentage of land in the high-site productivity class, which leads to extremely high growth rates. A stand of intensively managed Douglas fir, for example, absorbs more than 9 metric tons of CO2 equivalents (CO2e) per acre at its peak … Read More
Saying goodbye to Maurice Williamson
The forestry sector lost a beloved steward, friend and trusted voice last week. Former small forest landowners champion and forestry elder statesman, Maurice Williamson, passed away on Sunday, March 3rd. He was 77 years old. Though born and raised in northeast Missouri, Maurice spent more than a half century (53 years) in Washington state as a professional forester and … Read More
Navigating Forest Carbon Markets: A Guide for Landowners
Navigating Forest Carbon Markets: A Guide for Landowners A recent peer-reviewed study was released as a guide for small landowners about forest carbon, offsets and markets conducted by Oregon, Washington, and Idaho State Universities. Forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide. Forest carbon markets offer opportunities for landowners to manage their forests … Read More
2024 Legislative Session reaches significant milestone
The 2024 legislative session is nearly at the halfway point. As the case with all legislative sessions happening during even numbered years, this year’s convening will be a shorter 60-day session with the final day of session March 7th. This means lawmakers had less time to advance their policy bills with the committee cutoff on January 31st. This also will … Read More
WFPA’s John Ehrenreich named Society of American Foresters Fellow
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 27, 2023 Contact: Cindy Mitchell, (360) 791-9372, CMitchell@wfpa.org WFPA’s John Ehrenreich named Society of American Foresters Fellow Washington DC – A national organization representing forestry professionals is honoring a respected industry voice in Washington state. The Society of American Foresters (SAF) has named John H. Ehrenreich Jr. of the Washington Forest Protection Association a 2023 SAF … Read More
Washington residents support active forest management
An overwhelming majority of Washington residents back the forestry sector and working forests. That’s according to a recent poll that found most Washington voters – 89% – throughout all four corners of the state saying they support forest management to promote thriving, healthy forests. Forest management refers to efforts taken by the forest products sector to sustainably grow, harvest, replant … Read More
Wildfire smoke draws attention to importance of forest management
Forest fires and wildfire smoke were on the minds of many last week as smoke blanketed every corner of Washington state, making national news and dominating local news headlines. But as firefighters work to contain the multiple large fires on both sides of the Cascades, one thing is painfully clear, unmanaged forests are amplifying an already challenging – and dangerous … Read More
Carbon Stored in Wood Products Extends the Carbon Benefit
Wood and wood products are key to better carbon capture Aug. 25, 2023 at 9:00 am Updated Aug. 25, 2023 at 9:00 am By Washington Forest Protection Association Produced by ST Content Studio Washington state has set an ambitious goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 95% by 2050. The health of our forests will play a critical role in this reduction. … Read More
Forest management reduces wildfire risk
An overwhelming majority of people (83%) say forest management reduces wildfire risk and support it as a means of preventing them. That’s according to a recent poll that finds people are increasingly recognizing the critical role sustainable forestry practices and working forests play in maintaining forest health to help protect against catastrophic wildfires. Research and practical application consistently demonstrate active … Read More
Engaging private landowners, stakeholders key to good policymaking
The Washington State Legislature concluded its work over the weekend, wrapping up the 2023 session Sunday. There were the usual complement of high-profile policy bills and budget decisions. But as usual, there were also a slew of simple, good bills that quietly made their made through the session with bipartisan support relatively unnoticed. It is in these batch of bills where … Read More
Working forests critical to addressing climate change
The Whatcom County Forestry Advisory Committee invited researcher Dr. Edie Sonne Hall of Three Trees Consulting to speak at their April meeting and share her insights on how forest management mitigates climate change. The topic is timely as communities, governments and policymakers search for ways to reduce the amount of CO2 gas in our atmosphere to lessen the impacts of … Read More
Honoring Billy Frank Jr.
On March 9th of every year, Northwest Treaty Tribes, schools and numerous agencies and organizations (including the Washington Forest Protection Association) throughout Washington state celebrate Billy Frank Jr. Day. The ninth day in March, Frank’s birthday, is a day to recognize and honor a man who left an indelible mark in the state’s history and beyond. For those who had … Read More
2023 Washington Legislative session begins
After two years of remote lawmaking, Washington state legislators returned to Olympia for the first in-person session since 2020. A return to pre-pandemic normal means legislative buildings are once again open to the public and there will be more face-to-face interactions with lawmakers – albeit some adjustments in the House and Senate have been made to support the health and … Read More
2022 Year in Review
Washington’s private forest landowners continue to lead the way, and 2022 was no different. Whether it is applying the best science to support salmon recovery efforts or following proven-effective approaches to promote healthy, resilient forests, working forests demonstrate every day that they provide environmental, economic and societal benefits throughout the state. This is all happening while Washington’s foresters supply communities … Read More
114th WFPA Annual Meeting recognizes, celebrates working forests
Collaboration and building strong partnerships were the overarching themes at the 114th Washington Forest Protection Association (WFPA) Annual Meeting in Olympia. The meeting, which can be viewed on TVW in parts one and two, featured forestry sector leaders and elected officials recognizing the critical role Washington’s working foresters and private forest landowners play in the state’s economy, salmon recovery and … Read More
Late wildfire season underscores importance of forest management
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources reported the 2022 wildfire season to be the least destructive in a decade with just over 140,300 acres burned by October 7th. In addition to a dedicated firefighting crew and key partnerships with other agencies, Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz credited the passage of HB 1168 – passed unanimously by the Legislature in 2021 … Read More
Celebrating renewable, environmentally friendly forest products
This time of year is particularly special for working forests and the forestry sector because the third week in October is designated as National Forest Products Week. This is a time for US residents to recognize and honor the important contributions working forests and the forestry sector provide for the nation, state and local communities. Working forests and the forest … Read More
State recognizes large private forest landowners
Washington agencies recently honored many of the state’s largest private forest landowners – including several Washington Forest Protection Association members – for their efforts to improve fish habitat. During the August Forest Practices Board meeting and in a joint news release, Washington State’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Department of Ecology (DOE) and Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) applauded … Read More
State forest practices study finds high compliance among working forests
Working forests remain committed partners to protecting and improving fish habitat. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its biennium Compliance Monitoring Program report assessing how well working forests are conforming to forest practice rules put in place to protect riparian areas on both sides of streams to keep water cool and clean. The report found that an … Read More
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