John,

Forests are a major part of the solution to climate change. When we protect mature forests, we also store carbon that might otherwise contribute to rising global temperatures. This year, state lawmakers allocated $83 million from the Climate Commitment Act (CCA) to conserve forests as part of climate-smart management of state forestlands. This is the first time state funds have been provided for carbon storage or “sequestration.” This is historic.

Washington Conservation Action and our coalition, including Conservation Northwest and Center for Responsible Forestry, worked tirelessly for this budget outcome. More information is available in our joint press release here.

In July 2022, WCA won an important victory when the State Supreme Court ruled that Washington’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is not required to manage state owned forests to maximize revenue from timber harvest, but that DNR must balance revenue with other benefits, such as climate, recreational and cultural uses. This year’s legislative victory puts into action the management of state lands for multiple benefits— both for beneficiaries and the general public.

As a result of this $83M allocation, 2,000 acres of older, carbon dense, structurally complex forests in Western Washington will be moved out of harvest rotation and permanently conserved. The $83M will fund land replacement to ensure sustained harvest of timber products and produce revenue.

WCA and our NGO partners did not achieve this victory alone. During the last two years, the people of Washington have raised their voice on this issue, including by making more than 30,000 comments to support this initiative during legislative session. Well done!

Soon we will need your voice once again. After potential conservation areas are identified, counties must opt in to protecting older forests on state lands in exchange for replacement land. In the coming months, local support will be critical to encourage county commissioners and local officials to take advantage of this opportunity.

Thanks for all you do,
Rachel Baker (she/her/hers)
Forest Program Director
Washington Conservation Action

Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters are now unified under one brand, Washington Conservation Action.