Dear Board of Natural Resources,

I am writing to urge you to cancel the Upper Rutsatz timber sale. This century-old forest represents an irreplaceable part of our natural heritage. Many of the dominant trees stand nearly four feet in diameter and 200 feet tall. As biological legacies of the old growth forests of the Pacific Northwest, these special places deserve careful protection rather than hasty destruction.

These forests are not renewable resources. They play a critical role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and preserving genetic diversity. The older trees within this timber sale help shade and protect numerous streams that feed into the Middle Fork, which helps protect salmon and steelhead populations already teetering on the brink of extinction. 

Countless community members love this area – many of us mountain bike and hike on the system of trails that run through Upper Rutsatz. Clearcutting this forest would destroy the tranquility of these recreational trails along with all the intricate natural features of this landscape. The logging of Upper Rutsatz would be an irretrievable loss for our community. 

Forests like Upper Rutsatz are increasingly rare. As you know, what little older forest still remains in Washington exists on state trust lands within the purview of the DNR. Sadly, the DNR has failed in their responsibility to protect our older forests as promised by Hilary Franz. The responsibility to save this and other elegant, complex forests now falls to you. Please stop this sale while you still can.

Thank you for listening.