Gold Creek Legacy Forest - Action Needed!

KEC • May 4, 2025

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Keep Kitsap GREEN

Gold Creek Legacy Forest Under Threat of Clear Cut!

Oppose Clearcut of Gold Creek Legacy Forest

Comment Deadline May 6

Several months ago, we excitedly told you about the pause on the potential clearcutting of Firvana at Green Mountain . The pause is about to expire and things are not looking good. Currently, the DNR staff calling for clearcutting are overwhelming the voices of the local people and elected officials who are calling for conservation and protection of this legacy forest.

Speak out now! Use this Public Comment Form and call for DNR to support conservation of this 60 acre parcel.

The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition explains “ DNR Seeks to Clearcut 90-Year Old Legacy Forest to Improve its "Health"

We urge the DNR to honor its legal commitment to conserve and restore structurally complex forests across Western Washington, and cancel the Firvana timber sale.

Using your own words here's an example of what you might say in your comment:

My position: Do not log Firvana. Save it for its ecological value.

Specific impacts: Logging would destroy the habitat for at least seven species of old-forest-dependent birds actively using the stand. Replacing this forest with a managed tree farm of Western White Pine and Western Red Cedar would destroy the natural cycle of the life, decay, and rebirth of this important structurally complex naturally regenerating forest.

Data inadequately being considered : The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition has new data that documents the conservation value of the forest.

Conversations needed : DNR needs to meet with Kitsap County’s Board of County Commissioners who have called for protection of the forest. Give due respect to the local people who are the intended beneficiaries of this land.

Photograph of Conk fungi and Golden-crowned Kinglet

During recent field surveys, LFDC documented seven species of old-forest-dependent birds actively using the stand—including the Golden-crowned Kinglet, a species that has declined by over 91% in the Puget Sound region since 1968, largely due to habitat loss. These birds depend on mature interior forest conditions—exactly the type of habitat Firvana provides.

The proposed timber sale would destroy this forest and its structural, genetic, and biological legacies, and replace it with a plantation of Western White Pine and Western Red Cedar. This legacy forest, which is naturally resilient to disease and outbreaks of defoliating insects, provides vital habitat that cannot be replicated by managed tree farms.

A picture of a forest before and after being cut down.

The DNR’s plan to “reset” Firvana by clearcutting it prioritizes timber production over wildlife habitat. It also undermines DNR's ability to meet its legal commitment to protect and restore mature and old growth forests, as outlined in numerous planning documents, including the State Lands Habitat Conservation Plan, 2004 Sustainable Harvest FEIS, and 2006 Policy for Sustainable Forests.

Don’t hesitate - the deadline for public comments to the DNR is Tuesday, May 6 .

Post your comment here: DNR Public Comment Form

And remind our county commissioners that we depend on their commitment to preserve Legacy Forests. Email: kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov  

Become a 2025 KEC Member

To Join , please download, complete, and return this membership form . $20 annual dues.

Print a few extra copies to share with friends and neighbors.

To renew your membership , make a donation of $20 per membership by selecting “Membership dues” in the donation menu.

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JoshuaWright in Firvana Forest in Green Mountain

Keep Kitsap GREEN

KITSAP ENVIRONMENTAL COALITION

Gold Creek Legacy Forest - Action Needed!

Gold Creek Legacy Forest Under Threat of Clear Cut!

Oppose Clearcut of Gold Creek Legacy Forest

Comment Deadline May 6

Speak out now! Use this Public Comment Form and call for DNR to support conservation of this 60 acre parcel.

The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition explains “ DNR Seeks to Clearcut 90-Year Old Legacy Forest to Improve its "Health"

Using your own words here's an example of what you might say in your comment:

My position: Do not log Firvana. Save it for its ecological value.

Data inadequately being considered : The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition has new data that documents the conservation value of the forest.

Conversations needed : DNR needs to meet with Kitsap County’s Board of County Commissioners who have called for protection of the forest. Give due respect to the local people who are the intended beneficiaries of this land.

Don’t hesitate - the deadline for public comments to the DNR is Tuesday, May 6 .

Post your comment here: DNR Public Comment Form

And remind our county commissioners that we depend on their commitment to preserve Legacy Forests. Email: kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov

Become a 2025 KEC Member

To Join , please download, complete, and return this membership form . $20 annual dues.

Print a few extra copies to share with friends and neighbors.

To renew your membership , make a donation of $20 per membership by selecting “Membership dues” in the donation menu.

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