Earth Sciences
The Earth Sciences Program (ESP) was established in 2007 to provide geologic, geomorphic, and hydrologic consulting services for state trust lands management. ESP staff provide technical and scientific support for DNR’s timber sales program, recreation program, and engineering division.
ESP team members support trust land management by:
- Conducting office and field reviews to help DNR avoid increasing natural landslide risks.
- Writing geologic risk assessments for Forest Practices permitting.
- Delineating channel migration zones for timber sales to protect potential future riparian function.
- Providing engineering geologic expertise for forest road engineering projects, including bridge installation and landslide mitigation.
- Reviewing recreation projects for landslide hazards and conducting slope stability critical-area reviews for county permitting.
- Helping find rock sources that are suitable for forest road construction and maintenance.
ESP staff also conduct research and monitoring aimed at evaluating the effects of forestland management activities on watersheds in the Olympic Experimental State Forest. In addition, staff participate in collaborative research through the Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research (CMER) scientific advisory committees for the Adaptive Management Program. Studying geomorphic and hydrologic processes helps DNR staff better understand the dynamics of water and geology throughout Washington’s landscapes and design activities that protect streams, wildlife habitat, and public safety.
To learn more, watch this video on the timber sales geologic review process.
