KEC signs letter to protect legacy forests | May 30
KEC • May 30, 2026
Kitsap Environmental Coalition signs onto letter to Gov. Ferguson, urging protection of remaining legacy forests from logging.
May 30, 2026
The letter, authored by Indivisible Tacoma, emphasizes public support, conflicts of interest, and policy failures.
Main Concerns
- Legacy forests (over 140 years old) are being clearcut, threatening ecological and climate resilience.
- Public support for forest protection is widespread, including petitions, rallies, and conservation efforts.
- The Board of Natural Resources (BNR) is biased toward logging, with members benefiting financially or professionally from timber sales.
- DNR staff are incentivized to log because their salaries depend on timber revenue, creating systemic conflicts.
- The governor’s appointee consistently votes to sell forests, disregarding scientific and public input.
- Existing policies, like the Sustainable Harvest FEIS, are not followed; no comprehensive Forest Management Plans exist.
- Current harvest targets can be met without logging legacy forests, yet they are still sold.
- Protecting 77,000 acres of complex forests, including 20,800 acres planned for logging, is crucial.
- Logging undermines climate goals, increases disaster costs, and fails to meet conservation targets for old growth.
- The letter calls for diversifying BNR membership, revising DNR’s mission, and creating alternative funding for counties and schools.
Recommended Actions
- Urge DNR to adhere to its policies and develop proper Forest Land Plans.
- Ensure the conservation of high-value forests and revise maps to prioritize protection.
- Appoint diverse, non-industry representatives to BNR.
- Work with legislature to fund public needs without relying on logging revenue.
- Protect remaining legacy forests immediately to prevent irreversible loss.
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