Thanks to our state Constitution, Washington’s Department of Natural Resources manages state and county trust lands for the long-term benefit of public schools and many essential public services. These working forests help fund our libraries, schools, fire districts, public health, public works and conservation projects. Responsible timber harvesting has long been part of this work. Some are advocating for a radical shift away from this constitutional mandate. This shift ignores the unique needs of counties and diverse public service providers that depend on this revenue. It ignores the importance of forestry to the social and economic fabric of our communities and it undermines Washington’s leadership in the manufacture of green building materials. …Washington can simultaneously support high-quality timber production, sustain rural economies and conserve ecologically significant areas. Counties and their junior taxing districts that are dependent on timber revenue deserve a voice in determining the balance of revenue generation and conservation.