Wood is key to building. Importing it is worse than responsible Washington logging

By Amy Harding, commissioner, Port of Olympia
Tacoma News Tribune
March 26, 2025
Category: Forestry
Region: United States, US West

Amy Harding

The Pacific Northwest is fortunate to have vast forests and ideal conditions for growing trees quickly. …However, we face a troubling trend: a decline in local timber production and a growing reliance on imported lumber. We use science for active forest management with the toughest regulations in the world, we do forestry the best here. It’s time to prioritize local timber and rebuild a robust, sustainable industry right here in Washington. …Fifty percent of our state timberlands have already been placed into conservation. …The recent move to place some timber sales on hold jeopardizes the Department of Natural Resources’ capacity to do this in the future and maintain a steady pace. …Our Pacific Northwest forests are managed under some of the strongest science-based forest protections in the world, ensuring sustainable harvesting practices and safeguarding water quality for people and fish.

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