The new Commissioner of Public Lands, Dave Upthegrove, announced that the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will pause timber harvesting in some forests for roughly six months.
DNR wrote that the pause was necessary to use advanced technology that would map and provide a better understanding of the forests they manage.
The pause will ensure that the DNR follows its policy of conserving 10 to 15% of complex forest areas.
“Forests define Washington -- they are vital to our habitats, to our communities, and our economy,” said Commissioner Upthegrove. “I want to ensure that our forests will continue to work sustainably for the people of Washington for generations to come. This timeout will help us make that a reality.”
DNR cites the critical importance of older forests because of the carbon they store which plays an important part in climate change.
This pause will be used to establish criteria to protect older forests while maintaining an appropriate level of harvesting needed for home, hospital and school construction.
“I will also be using this time to meet with our beneficiaries, Tribes, environmental groups, industry, and the public in a transparent process to get their input and build support for protecting these vital forests,” said Commissioner Upthegrove. “I know how essential timber is to Washington, and DNR foresters are on the cutting edge of ensuring harvests are done sustainably and responsibly. But with so much contention regarding recent timber sales, it’s apparent we need to stop, take a breath, and revisit how to meet the targets laid out in the agency’s timber management plans. This pause does not mean Washington will harvest less – it will simply lead to a change to where we harvest and the type of forests we conserve.”
DNR said the pause will affect 23 sales, which account for 28% of all sale acres for 2025.