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2008 Northwest Environmental Forum
Retaining Working Forest Land
and Protecting Biodiversity
October 29-31, 2008

Semiahmoo Resort
9565 Semiahmoo Parkway
Blaine, Washington 98230

Forest Data Base
The Forum evaluated the new College of Forest Resources findings on Strategic Forest Retention, that evaluates risk of conversion, the forest and biodiversity values of critical forest areas, and programs and market-based strategies to offset working forest conversion. This is in response to the 2007 Legislature budget proviso to the College. A statewide land parcel data base was funded through the Family Forest Foundation and allowed Forum participants to assess strategic linkages for biodiversity and critical working forest land retention strategies. We addressed family and other private forest landowner incentives that can offset at least some of the economic advantages of converting forests to non-forest urban uses. Expert advisor panels met earlier to help focus the work of the Forum. The Forum generated recommendations in time for the 2009 Washington Legislature.
 
KEY OBJECTIVES OF 2008 FORUM

FOREST LAND DATA BASE
The Family Forest Foundation obtained a grant to create a data base that covers every county in Washington, with parcel information (e.g., ownership, land uses, zoning, values), and for the Forum, forests and forest characteristics (e.g., ownership, streams, roads, wetlands, geological features.) 

FOREST RETENTION PROJECT
Requested by the 2007 Legislature, uses the data base to assess productivity of working forests, biodiversity features, and the risk of conversion from working forest uses. 

“RISK OF CONVERSION” MAP
Showing critical areas, values at risk and potential impacts upon forest products processing infrastructure. The Forum considered how to sustain the most valuable working forest lands, and market-based conservation strategies for forest landowners.

TECHNICAL REVIEW PRIOR TO FORUM
The Forum observed values and risks, an evaluation of existing programs, a landowner survey of those programs, and infrastructural impacts.

 

NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM
University of Washington | School of Forest Resources
Box 352100 • Seattle, Washington 98195-2100
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