Updated Forest Action Plan Incorporates Western Washington Needs, Priorities

Earlier this fall, the Washington state department of Natural Resources released its 2020 Forest Action Plan, which out lined more than 100 priority actions to improve and conserve forests across the state. Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz said this updated Forest Action Plan, builds on existing work taking place on the east side of the state, and adds in the unique needs of western Washington forests, focusing on the highest need areas.

“To address drought, invasive species, development pressures, insects and disease, climate change, aquatic habitat, and urban forests.   This Forest Action Plan identified 16 priority landscapes in western Washington, spanning nearly two million acres, where we will deploy state and federal resources first to begging the work of improving forest resilience.”

Franz added the Forest Action Plan is a critical tool to unify around a common vision to save Washington forest lands and improve their overall health.

“Our goal is to continue to work in lock-step with numerous governments, state, local and federal agencies with non-profits and industry partners to reach the goals we all have for healthy forests, healthy waterways and healthy communities for today and tomorrow.”

Forest east of the Cascades have their own high priority areas which were identified through the 20-year Forest Health Strategic Plan, released in 2017.

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