Separating Fact from Fiction

Debunking DNR's Logging Practices in Western Washington

Defending Our Forests: Countering DNR's Claims with Fact-Forward Solutions

The Full Story

The Department of Natural Resources' current logging practices are detrimental to the health of our forests and the communities that rely on them. Clearcutting and other intensive logging methods not only destroy habitats for wildlife and plant species, but also contribute to erosion, water pollution, and other environmental issues.

At the same time, the logging industry is a major source of revenue for the state, and the Department of Natural Resources has historically prioritized timber production over ecological conservation. This has led to a situation where our forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate, with little regard for the long-term impacts on our environment and local communities.

The Center for Responsible Forestry believes that it's time for the Department of Natural Resources to shift its priorities and adopt more sustainable logging practices that prioritize the health and well-being of our forests and the communities that depend on them.

By supporting the Center for Responsible Forestry, you can help us advocate for more responsible forestry practices and hold the Department of Natural Resources accountable for its actions. Together, we can create a future where our forests are healthy, vibrant, and sustainable for generations to come.

Capitol State Forest, 1984

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Capitol State Forest, post-clearcutting, 2020

What are the Impacts
of Clearcuts?

Impacts on Biodiversity

The Department of Natural Resources' logging practices have a significant impact on biodiversity. Clearcutting, in particular, removes large areas of forest and destroys the habitats of many plant and animal species.

Erosion and

Water Pollution

Intensive logging practices like clearcutting can lead to soil erosion and water pollution, which can have serious impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. This can also result in higher costs for water treatment and sediment removal.

Carbon Sequestration

Forests play a crucial role in sequestering carbon from the atmosphere, and logging practices can have a significant impact on carbon storage. Clearcutting removes large amounts of biomass from the forest, reducing the ability of the forest to absorb and store carbon.

Community Health

Many communities in Washington rely on healthy forests for their livelihoods and way of life. Intensive logging practices can have negative impacts on community health by disrupting traditional land use practices, reducing the availability of wild foods and medicines, and increasing the risk of wildfires. Legacy forests also provide clean air, clean water, and better health outcomes for everyone in Washington.

Economic Sustainability

Sustainable forestry practices can support local economies by creating jobs in the forestry sector and generating revenue from timber sales. Clearcutting and other intensive logging practices, however, can lead to a boom-and-bust cycle in the industry, with short-term gains offset by long-term environmental and economic costs.

Debunking Industry Claims

Argument: Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to support local economies and provide jobs.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to meet the demand for wood products.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to prevent wildfires.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to promote forest health and growth.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to prevent insect infestations and disease outbreaks.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to improve forest resiliency to climate change.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to provide wood products that are essential for our daily lives.

Harvesting trees in legacy forests is necessary to reduce dependence on imported wood products.

Response: While the timber industry is important to the local economy, it is important to recognize that there are many other economic activities that can be pursued without damaging legacy forests. For example, ecotourism and recreation are significant economic drivers in areas with intact forests. Additionally, the ecosystem services provided by these forests, such as clean air and water, have significant economic value that is often overlooked. By preserving these forests, we can support sustainable economic development that benefits everyone.

There are many ways to meet the demand for wood products without destroying legacy forests. Sustainable forestry practices and plantation forests can be used to ensure a steady supply of wood products while preserving intact legacy forests. Additionally, there is growing demand for non-timber forest products, such as mushrooms and other natural products, that can be sustainably harvested without damaging forest ecosystems.

While it is true that some types of forest management, such as thinning and prescribed burning, can reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires, there is little evidence to suggest that clear-cutting or other forms of intensive logging are effective at reducing wildfire risk. In fact, these practices can actually increase the risk of wildfires by creating dry, flammable conditions in the forest. Preserving intact forests, on the other hand, can help to maintain natural fire regimes and support healthy forest ecosystems that are more resilient to wildfires.

Legacy forests are some of the healthiest and most productive forests in the region, and they have developed over centuries of natural processes. Clear-cutting and other forms of intensive logging can disrupt these processes and cause long-term damage to forest ecosystems. By contrast, preserving intact forests can promote natural forest growth and allow these ecosystems to continue to function in a healthy and productive way.

While some types of forest management can help to reduce the risk of insect infestations or disease outbreaks, clear-cutting or other forms of intensive logging can actually increase the risk of these problems. Removing large numbers of trees can disrupt the natural balance of forest ecosystems and create conditions that are more conducive to the spread of pests and diseases. By preserving intact forests, we can support natural processes that help to maintain healthy forest ecosystems.

While it is true that forests can play an important role in mitigating climate change by storing carbon, logging and other forms of disturbance can actually reduce the capacity of forests to absorb and store carbon. Additionally, intact legacy forests have been shown to be more resilient to the impacts of climate change, such as drought and wildfire. By preserving legacy forests, we can help to ensure that these ecosystems continue to play a critical role in mitigating climate change.

While wood products are certainly important, it is possible to meet our wood product needs without destroying legacy forests. Plantation forests can easily meet demand.

While it is true that reducing dependence on imported wood products is important, it is possible to meet this goal without destroying legacy forests. Tere are many other ways to reduce dependence on imported wood products, such as using alternative materials or increasing recycling rates.