Public Lands Transfer Provision Removed from State Senate Bill

Today, in response to thousands of comments from individuals, conservation and recreation groups, the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee amended a dangerous provision in S 6140, a state land management bill. The provision originally included language that laid the groundwork for state lands to be transferred to timber companies for increased logging. By removing this amendment protects popular state forests across Washington from logging for maximum economic potential including such beloved areas as Blanchard Mountain, Tiger Mountain, Capitol Forest, Naneum Ridge, Green Mountain and Tahoma. In addition, Representative Mike Chapman has sponsored Amendment 202 to the bill, which adds a commitment to consider both the recreation and ecosystem values in state forest assessment.

Washington Wild joined 11 other conservation and recreation organizations on a letter thanking the House Committee and chairman Brian Blake for removing this harmful language and adding positive modifications for the environment and public lands to the bill.

Thousands of Washingtonians enjoy these state forests each year to hike, bike, camp, fish, climb, and recreate. These special places should not be managed for maximum timber revenue at the expense of recreation opportunities and ecosystem benefits. Thank you to all of you who took action and wrote your representatives on this important issue! Public lands are public issues and together we can protect them for future generations.