The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition (LFDC) has voiced concerns regarding the Turnover timber sale in Washington, stating that certain units in the proposed sale are mature, structurally complex forests that exceed 75 years in age.
The LFDC contends that the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has inaccurately represented the age of the timber stands in its SEPA (State Environmental Police Act) review, specifically disputing claims that the stands originated in 1950 and 1953. Citing aerial images from 1952 showing young trees, the coalition believes that these timber stands likely date back to the 1920s or 1930s.
In contrast, Matt Comisky, the Washington state manager for the American Forest Resource Council, has reviewed records that indicate the stands were actually planted in 1956. Comisky noted that this aligns with historical reforestation efforts in areas like the Turnover property, which was part of the Yacolt burn region.
“I know much of that area in the mid-1900s saw reforestation efforts because that fire burned so hot that in many places the trees didn’t come back for decades, and so it’s not surprising to be planted,” Comisky stated.
The American Forest Resource Council represents DNR timber purchasers, the forest product industry, and the beneficiaries of timber sales.
Despite the ongoing public discussions surrounding the Turnover timber sale, Ann Foster, president of Friends of Clark County (FOCC), refrained from providing details on FOCC’s stance during a recent interview, citing the unsettled circumstances influencing the council’s position.
In a June letter addressed to the Clark County Council, FOCC urged timely action regarding the Turnover timber sale and raised concerns about an auction that was initially slated for September. However, Comisky clarified that the Turnover sale would not proceed as planned, stating, “Turnover is not going to happen in September. It did not go to the board in July. And that’s because it’s still on the pause list.”
He elaborated that DNR typically issues a notice of final determination after the SEPA review closes, and until that occurs, the sale cannot move forward.
Comisky also mentioned that Washington state Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove is actively seeking a resolution to the current pause on some timber sales and harvests.
“What happens when the pause is finally lifted, we’re hopeful we’ll see something in that September board of Natural Resources meeting providing some kind of direction,” Comisky remarked. However, he expressed uncertainty about the direction that would be taken.
The Turnover site consists of timber stands classified as Maturation 2, which indicates that these areas feature an understory of diverse species beneath the canopy, small gaps from natural disturbances like wind, and a reduced presence of large fallen logs or standing dead trees. According to DNR, Maturation 2 landscapes are nearing full maturity, showcasing increased structural complexity and biodiversity.
Comisky underscored that Maturation 2 classification does not equate to age determination, stating, “Just because it’s Maturation 2, it doesn’t mean that it’s on its way or that it is close to old growth.”
He elaborated that such classifications illustrate a forest stand condition that is more complex than younger forests, where trees compete for sunlight and the canopy remains closed, limiting the growth of understory plants.
With anticipated challenges surrounding the Turnover sale, Comisky highlighted the trust nature of the timber on the property, pointing out that a significant portion consists of common school trust and state forest purchase repayment trust, with only a small percentage stemming from the state forest transfer.
“Most of that timber sale is common school trust and state forest purchase repayment trust, so it’s not like all of Turnover is even Clark County Trust Land,” Comisky stated.
He noted a growing trend wherein appeals and challenges to timber sales are being retracted as DNR continues to prevail during preliminary injunction phases or on the merits of the cases.
Comisky posed a critical question regarding the nature of opposition against DNR’s decisions: “What is the end goal?” He highlighted the vastness of Washington’s forested land, mentioning that about 23 million acres of forest land exist in the state, with only 11.5 million acres potentially manageable.
He expressed confusion about why some individuals question DNR’s motives and effectiveness without fully grasping the intricacies of habitat conservation plans.
“The process to be compliant is extremely complex and requires a high level of work and professionalism,” Comisky asserted.
He raised philosophical inquiries about whether the opposition stems from a broader resistance to timber harvest practices or reluctance to see logging in proximity to residential areas, even as many individuals purchase wood products from local stores.
Comisky also referenced the marbled murrelet, a seabird that nests in old-growth forests, underscoring discussions surrounding its long-term conservation strategy. This strategy is anticipated to have concluded around 2005, but implementation faced significant delays, with DNR only finalizing procedures in 2019.
Comisky emphasized that “Any stands the Fish and Wildlife Service deemed unnecessary under the [Habitat Conservation Plan] for the management of marbled murrelet would be released for harvest.” However, he lamented the decades-long period it took to finalize such releases.
Historically, some conservation efforts sought to protect older timber stands, which sparked considerable discussion among advocates. Comisky explained, “A lot of those stands that would have been released had an additional 14 to 15 years of growth.”
The call for conservation surrounding the marbled murrelet and other habitat considerations has led to challenges against DNR timber sales like the recent Dabbler timber sale, resulting in resource strains for the agency amid ongoing legal battles.
As the debate continues, stakeholders remain at odds over the balance between timber harvest activities and environmental conservation in Washington’s forests.
image source from：thereflector
