Issue Position: Sustainable Timber Practices

Issue Position

Our forests are a symbol of our state and a critical source of jobs and funding for our schools. Yet the forest base of the Evergreen State is shrinking due to over harvesting, conversion to other uses, and loss to fire. Yet the incumbent wants to increase cutting by more than 30%, and has consistently ignored existing rules and regulations that could mitigate damage from landslides when steep slopes and critical watersheds are clear cut.

Furthermore, recent press reports have exposed bogus so-called "green certification" of lumber, duping consumers and contractors looking for sustainably harvested wood products.

When forests are lost, so are jobs and school funds. We need a different approach.

I'll reform these wasteful, short term practices by demanding that the rules are followed, and strengthened as needed. I'll coordinate with large and small landowners to better manage for long term sustainability at the local level--protecting jobs, recreation access and habitat.

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