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Rally to protect WA’s mature forests
August 22, 2023 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
The leaders who direct the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) are coming to Bellingham for a two-day retreat — so we’re organizing a big rally to demonstrate community support for protecting mature legacy forests on public land! You’ll hear elected officials and community leaders from across western Washington speak about the importance of conserving these near-old-growth forests for their ecological and cultural value. There will also be live musical performances, poetry reading, and more!
Tuesday, August 22nd, 5:30-7:00pm
Maritime Heritage Park amphitheater — 500 W Holly St, Bellingham, WA
Parking: About 400 yards south of the park is a large public parking lot near the Trackside Beer Garden / bike pump track. There is also parking on Holly St and Granary Ave. Consider dropping off folks who can’t walk far at the Soy House parking lot, then finding parking elsewhere.
Prepare for the rally with us on Friday, August 18th at a phonebank (4–6pm) and art/sign-making party (6–8pm) with food and good company at the RE Sources offices (2309 Meridian St, Bellingham. Upstairs from The RE Store).
This is a great opportunity to influence key decision makers to protect structurally complex and carbon-dense forests. Thanks to our friends at Center for Responsible Forestry for co-hosting with us!
Background
Over the past few years, DNR has been aggressively logging mature, naturally-regenerated forests across the western Washington – prompting significant community push back. A statewide movement has arisen to conserve these last remnants of mature forest on public land, and we’ve already seen numerous major victories. Pressure on DNR has yielded permanent and temporary protections for thousands of acres of mature forestland across the state; however, DNR is still planning to clearcut many thousands of acres of mature forest in the coming years. That’s why we’re asking the Board of Natural Resources (BNR) and Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz to develop a Mature Forest Policy that systematically protects these forests.
Powerful timber corporations are leaning hard on our state and local elected leaders – it’s essential for our community to mobilize in support of protecting mature forests.
