🌲 DNR Conserves 77,000 Acres of Washington Forests

Big changes are coming to Washington’s forests. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has just signed an order to permanently conserve 77,000 acres of mature and older forests — and that includes areas right here in Western Washington.

🦉 Protecting Habitat & Responding to Climate Change

The conservation plan is part of DNR’s broader effort to balance forest use with environmental priorities. By protecting these mature forests, the state aims to:

• Safeguard critical wildlife habitat for species that depend on older growth.

• Improve carbon storage as part of Washington’s climate strategy.

• Preserve unique ecosystems that take decades (or even centuries) to fully mature.

Supporters of the plan say it’s a long-overdue step toward ensuring that Washington’s forests remain healthy and resilient for future generations.

🪵 Pushback From the Timber Industry

Not everyone is celebrating. Critics — especially within the timber industry — argue that setting aside this much land could mean:

• Fewer jobs tied to logging.

• Reduced timber supply at a time when housing demand is high.

• Less revenue from timber sales, which help fund local schools and counties.

This tension isn’t new in Washington. For decades, policymakers have struggled to balance the state’s dual role of conserving natural resources while also using timber revenue to fund public services.

📍 Why It Matters Locally

Here in the South Sound and across Western Washington, these decisions affect more than just the environment. They shape:

• Where logging happens (and doesn’t).

• How rural economies adapt to less reliance on timber.

• What kinds of landscapes communities see and enjoy for recreation and tourism.

Whether you see this as a conservation win or an economic setback, one thing is clear: this decision will shape forest management in our region for decades.

🧭 Final Thoughts

The conservation of 77,000 acres is one of the most significant DNR moves in recent years. It highlights Washington’s growing commitment to addressing climate change while also sparking tough conversations about how to balance conservation with community needs.

For now, these forests are protected — and the debate about their future continues.

📨 I’m Aaron Thomas, a local realtor keeping you updated on the policies, projects, and community changes that impact life across the South Sound. Every Friday, I publish the South Sound Report newsletter to keep you in the know.

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