Action 6: Protect and Restore Forestlands
Forestlands provide many important ecosystem benefits that support salmonids and other wildlife. Forestlands filter and store water and improve key metrics including water quality and temperature (Bradley et al 2007). Forests also provide water storage through retention in the soil, duff layer and standing trees, and improved water quantity and stream flow as the water is released throughout the year. Trees also sequester carbon, providing natural climate solutions. In addition to these benefits for wildlife and ecosystem function, working forests provide timber and support jobs and economic outcomes in the timber industry. In addition, most forested lands provide recreation opportunities that support a high quality of life and health and wellbeing for many Washingtonians and visitors to our state. It is important to restore existing forestlands and reduce conversion of forestlands to development. Moreover, we must make net gains in forest cover since this habitat provides critical salmon habitat and supports ecological function, wildlife and sustainable recreation across the basin.
Outcome 13: Conduct Forest Health evaluation in the Snohomish Watershed and identify key restoration metrics by 2023.
Outcome 14: Increase forestland acreage (net gain) by 2031: 900,000 acres baseline.
0-3 Year Actions
Action 6.1 Forest Health Evaluation
Work with USFS to conduct a forest health evaluation in the Middle Snohomish priority landscape. Collaborate to determine a shared understanding of desired forest conditions in the context of changing climate conditions, streamflow and needs of endangered species, treaty-reserved resources and human wellbeing.
Action 6.2 Small Forest Landowner Conversion Risk
Evaluate risk of conversion for small forest landowners in WRIA 7. Use data to assess conversion risks in this watershed and assess priority for technical assistance and other support.
Action 6.3 Land Conservation Initiatives
Contribute to county Land Conservation Initiatives. This includes supporting development of Snohomish County LCI, and implementation of King County LCI. Respond in a timely manner to acquisition and easement opportunities.others to determine priority geographic area.
Action 6.4 Land Conversion from Forest Authority
Engage cities and counties that have not assumed authority from DNR for Class IV-G activities (regarding land conversion from forestry).
Action 6.5 Mount Si
Purchase remaining in-holding Mount Si NRCA. This is the last remaining highest quality in-holding (539 acres) within DNR’s first conservation effort.
Action 6.7 Rattlesnake Mountain
Purchase remaining in-holding within Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area (170 acres).
Action 6.8 Middlefork Snoqualmie Land Transfer
Complete Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trust Land Transfer (25 acres transferred to NRCA status).
Action 6.9 Keep Washington Evergreen
Develop mapping, targets and new incentive and financing tools to avoid conversion of forested lands in support of the Keep Washington Evergreen initiative.
4-10 Year Actions
Action 6.10 Forestland Acreage
Increase forestland acreage to more than 900,000 acres. Through the Keep Washington Evergreen Initiative, leverage voluntary incentive-based tools, financing opportunities and increased funding that provide financial value for the underlying environmental, health, equity and cultural values of working forestlands, to contribute to net gain in forested acres by 2031.
