Join the Center for Responsible Forestry and the Earth Law Center on Sunday, Oct. 23, 11-2pm, to visit a unique legacy forest in the Elwha River Watershed, just off of Hwy 101. (Sneak peak photos here).
For hike details and to register click HERE!
The WA Board of Natural Resources (BNR) recently approved logging of this beautiful naturally-regenerated forest (not monocrop plantation) in the Elwha River Watershed, where the federal government has spent over $327 million on restoration post dam-removal. This legacy forest, known as the “Aldwell” timber sale (166 acres), will be lost forever unless the community takes steps to protect it. “Aldwell” is one of many legacy forests at risk on the Olympic Peninsula and in Western Washington.
In joining us, you will get to connect with this special forest, see old-growth trees, learn more about why protecting mature legacy forests on state-managed lands is critical, learn about our advocacy for investing in rural communities, and learn how you can help.
We are looking forward to enjoying this beautiful forest with you!
Email: edunne@earthlaw.org if you have any questions.
Take Action
On Sept. 29, the City of Port Angeles (following a unanimous vote) sent a letter to BNR requesting that it delay the Aldwell timber harvest auction, citing the need to protect our local water supply, and the value of the forest for biodiversity preservation and carbon sequestration. The City further requested that this important legacy forest be protected from logging under the carbon offset program. There is no guarantee that BNR will listen to the City’s request.
- Send a short email to council@cityofpa.us thanking the Port Angeles City Council for their leadership on this issue.
- Send an email to BNR (bnr@dnr.wa.gov) and Commission of Public Lands, Hilary Franz (cpl@dnr.wa.gov), with copy to state and federal legislative representatives (Senator Kevin Van De Wege (kevin.vandewege@leg.wa.gov), Representative Steve Tharinger (steve.tharinger@leg.wa.gov), and Representative Mike Chapman (mike.chapman@leg.wa.gov) letting them know that you oppose the State logging in the Elwha Watershed, in particular, the Aldwell timber sale.
Reasons to Protect “Aldwell” and Oppose Logging in the Elwha River Watershed
- Unit 2 of the Aldwell timber sale includes approximately 92 acres above the Little River Road and features large patches of legacy forests with large diameter trees, complex forest canopies, and legacy forest characteristics including snag and large wood on the forest floor. These older forests store and sequester carbon and as intact ecosystems play a key role in fighting the climate crisis.
- The Elwha River Watershed is of critical importance to the City’s residents who rely on the Elwha River for their drinking water. Logging in the Elwha River Watershed may negatively impact residents’ drinking water.
- The Federal Government has spent over $327 million on restoration of the Elwha Watershed.
- The likely presence of culturally significant sites for Indigenous peoples, including the Lower Elwha Klallam people.
- The Little River Tributary is vital habitat for listed and endangered salmonids that are now accessing portions of the upper Elwha and tributaries that have not been accessed for over 100 years.
- Road reconstruction along Indian Creek could severely impact important fish habitat in this tributary to the Elwha.
- The Aldwell sale borders popular hiking trails on DNR land.
Olympic Climate Action 