Feb. 9: Phone In to a Town Hall Update on Blanchard Mountain
The delegates from Washington's 40th legislative district will hold a "telephonic town hall" on Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. Advocates are encouraged to join the call to learn more and ask questions.
- Hikers enjoying the view from Oyster Dome, a popular trail adjacent to Blanchard State Forest. Photo by piperh.
Hikers have an opportunity to show their support of one of the most beloved recreation areas near Bellingham.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) began work 10 years ago to protect a portion of the forest near some well-traveled trails. The Blanchard Forest Strategy Agreement expired last year, which has some concerned that this will force DNR to log the area since Blanchard Forest is a state forest, where logging is mandated to support local schools and social services.
As the only place where the Cascades meet the Salish Sea, Blanchard Mountain within Blanchard State Forest offers recreation opportunities unparalleled anywhere else, just minutes away from Bellingham.
A call for funding for DNR to complete the land transfer
Conservation Northwest and Skagit Land Trust, among others, are asking the state legislature to allocate $7.7 million in the capital budget to preserve the 1,600 acres in the core of the forest, empowering DNR to permanently secure the area for recreation.
The original agreement allowed DNR to purchase additional forest land for logging operations while permanently protecting lands that sit adjacent to this popular recreation corridor. Timber harvest can be an instrumental part of forest management, but logging activity must be balanced with recreation access and conservation. The legislature previously allocated $6.5 million for the project. The requested new funds would allow DNR to complete the land transfer.
WTA has identified DNR funding as one of our legislative priorities this year.
Learn more about the issue at Conservation NW.
Two ways to show your support for Blanchard Mountain
- Call in. The delegates from Washington's 40th legislative district will hold a telephonic town hall on February 9 at 6:00 pm. Advocates are encouraged to join the call to learn more and ask questions.
Phone number: 877-229-8493
Pin: 116359 - Sign the petition. Advocates can also show their support by signing WTA's petition in support of the project.
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