Click “start writing” to send a pre-written comment asking DNR to cancel the upcoming timber sales in the Elwha Watershed and permanently protect Elwha Legacy Forests!

The federal and state agencies have spent $338 million on Elwha River dam removal and restoration. Last year, after a lawsuit and massive opposition from the community, the City of Port Angeles, and several state lawmakers, the WA Department of Natural Resources (“DNR”) canceled the “Power Plant” timber sale along the banks of the Elwha River. DNR permanently protected 69 acres of that forest with funds from WA’s Climate Commitment Act, and temporarily paused logging of legacy (mature, structurally complex and biodiverse) forests in the Elwha Watershed.

Now, suddenly, the pause of Elwha legacy forests has been lifted and there are four legacy forests on the chopping block before the end of the year! The “Tree Well”, “Parched”, “Alley Cat” and soon to be released “Bread and Butter” timber sales would log approximately 555 acres throughout the watershed. This includes units on steep slopes and next to the Elwha River’s major tributaries.

This logging would destroy nearly half of the remaining Elwha legacy forests. On this 10th Anniversary of the historic Elwha dam removal, we have the opportunity to protect this iconic watershed for the forests, salmon, orcas, and all of us. We must act now!

This action is sponsored on behalf of the Elwha Legacy Forest Coalition. Visit the Elwha Legacy Forests’ coalition website for more info and maps.

Click “start writing” to send a pre-written comment asking DNR to cancel the upcoming timber sales in the Elwha Watershed and permanently protect Elwha Legacy Forests!

* Map from the award-winning 20 min. documentary Last Stand: Saving the Elwha River’s Legacy Forests! Watch NOW on Earth Law Center’s youtube channel. To host a screening contact preddielane@gmail.com or edunne@earthlaw.org.