Carbon and Forest Management Work Group
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages more than 2 million acres of forested state trust lands across the state. On these lands, DNR generates revenue for counties, universities, and other trust beneficiaries, primarily through timber harvest. DNR also manages state trust lands for a suite of ecological goals, such as clean water and habitat for threatened and endangered species.
In its 2023 legislative session, the Washington State Legislature directed DNR to establish a work group to examine the relationship between forest management and atmospheric carbon sequestration (absorption) and storage in DNR-managed forests. The work group will collaborate on approaches related to the following:
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Conserving and managing older, carbon-dense, structurally complex forest stands located on DNR-managed lands;
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Increasing carbon sequestration and storage in forests and harvested wood products from DNR-managed forestlands;
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Generating predictable beneficiary revenue;
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Maintaining timber supplies that support local industry; and
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Addressing economic needs in rural counties.
To inform these efforts, DNR and external researchers will explore a range of pertinent topics including the existing and future demand for wood in Washington, carbon accounting and quantification methodologies, and the potential effects of proposed forest management strategies on wood supply, rural counties, and trust beneficiaries. This information will be provided to the work group to deepen their understanding of these topics and to help them develop long-term, workable solutions.
Expected to span two years, the project will include a progress report in late 2023 and a final report of findings in late 2024 or early 2025. This work is funded by a proviso in the 2023 Capital Budget (c 474 §3130 3).
Roster
Statutory Authority
The 2023 Capital Budget (c 474 §3130 3) grants this work group its authority.
Contact
Contact cfmworkgroup@bluepointplanning.com with questions and comments about work group meetings or if you are having difficulty logging into a meeting. For general inquiries about this work group, contact Duane Emmons at duane.emmons@dnr.wa.gov.
Related Links
Carbon and Forest Management Work Group, 2023 legislative progress report, c 474 §3130 3
Repositioning State Trust Lands, 2023 legislative report, c 474 §3130 1 and 4
Meetings
DNR is anticipating a minimum of 12 meetings during the 2023-25 biennium (between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2025). All meetings will be held remotely over Zoom and will be open to the public.
