Striking a Balance: The Science Behind Riparian Buffer Rules for Cool Water and Fish Protection Forest practices play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance between economic productivity and environmental conservation, particularly concerning water quality and the well-being of salmon streams. Recent scientific studies, namely the Hardrock and Softrock Experimental Buffer Treatment Studies, have shed light on the efficacy … 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
A Diversity of Forest Land Owners are Keeping Forests Healthy
It takes a network of people to keep forests healthy By Washington Forest Protection Association Keeping our forests healthy and resilient to wildfire requires a network of dedicated people — including foresters, loggers, truck drivers, biologists, conservationists, mill manufacturers and energy workers who convert forest residuals into biofuels. Washington’s diversity of land managers from public, private, state, tribal and federal agencies keep … Read More
Study shows forest practices protect core salmon temperatures in forested streams
A recently released decade-long study looking at several aspects of water quality, including temperature and sediment, show that current forest practices rules as outlined in the Forests & Fish Law are protective of fish. Beginning in 2007, the study measured temperature, sediment and other parameters of water quality two years before a harvest on forestland that is home to non-fish … Read More
Forests & Fish Law celebrates 22 years
Pacific salmon and the pristine, fresh waterways they inhabit have long been integral to the Pacific Northwest’s identity. That is why when salmon populations began to decline, governments, agencies, private forestland owners and other stakeholders came together to find a solution that would protect salmon habitat and aid in the iconic fish’s recovery. This year marks 22 years since the … Read More
Working forests lead the way
Washington’s working forests have long led the way on environmental stewardship and sustainability. Recognizing early on that working forests require resilient trees and a healthy environment, Washington’s private forestland owners have embraced the guiding principle of using the best available science to improve and evolve forest practices. The certainty that good science will lead the way has contributed to a … Read More
Biennial Salmon Recovery Conference goes virtual
Even though the 8th biennial Salmon Recovery Conference will be online this year, coming together for the sake of restoring salmon populations remains the focus as people convene remotely. The Salmon Recovery Conference, which happens ever odd numbered year, provides an opportunity for stakeholders – government agencies, tribal governments, private forest landowners, environmentalists, recreational fishermen, scientists and others – to … Read More
2020 Tree Farmer of the Year – a love of the land, legacy of stewardship
The Washington Tree Farm Program announced this week that a family-run tree farm in Lewis County is the recipient of this year’s top tree farmer honor. Patty Vance, owner and manager of the Elmore Vance Tree Farm, was named 2020 Washington State Tree Farmer of the Year. Elmore Vance Tree Farm, located six miles south of Randle, is a 148-acre … Read More
Hancock Forest Management celebrates completion of major aquatic restoration projects
Coho salmon, steelhead, trout, and other native Pacific Northwest fish are reaching new stretches of the Clatskanie River and its tributaries, thanks to recent efforts by Hancock Forest Management, a Manulife Investment Management company, in cooperation with the Columbia Soil and Water Conservation District. The projects were identified in the Lower Columbia River Partnership developed through the Regional Conservation Partnership … Read More
Working forests vital to healthy waterways
Well managed forestlands play a vital role in maintaining water quality and supporting biodiversity, and a Snohomish County program that assesses local waterway health is underscoring just that. A Snohomish County State of Our Waters report identified the Olney Creek waterway, which is surrounded primarily by public and private working forested lands in the Gold Bar area, as “excellent” for … Read More
Working forests provide numerous benefits for state, local communities
Working forests play a vital role in Washington state and a website is showing just that by presenting the important contributions sustainably-produced timber offers. From environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, carbon sequestration to salmon recovery, working forests provide a whole host of benefits for our state and local communities. With a focus on expertly managed forests that provide a continuous supply … Read More