Forestland Purchase Marks New-Era of Forestry in King County

Today’s agreement between the Evergreen Forest Trust and Weyerhaeuser for the purchase of the Snoqualmie Tree Farm represents a new beginning for forestry in King County, according to King County Councilmember Larry Phillips. The approximately 100,000-acre purchase will allow forestry to continue on the land, while preserving sensitive areas near waterways and steep banks. The purchase, called the “Evergreen Forest at Snoqualmie” also helps curtail urban sprawl by preserving open space and timberland in rural areas in perpetuity.

“People around the region live here because of our natural beauty and rugged landscape,” said Phillips who is also founding Evergreen Forest Trust board member. “The King County area consistently gets high marks as a place to live, work, and play. Managing urban sprawl protects our environment and quality-of-life, and makes the region a great place for families and children.”

Protecting forested open space has become increasingly difficult over the years as rural lands become more valuable as suburban developments and office parks, rather than maintained as agricultural, farm, or timber lands. Establishing transferable development credits, tax credits, and public-private partnerships have played a part in protecting rural open space in King County. Today’s agreement will further enhance the County’s efforts to preserve rural open space and working forests.

“The Evergreen Forest at Snoqualmie is a new effort in forestland ownership and management,” said Phillips. “We are talking about preserving in perpetuity, not only an area twice the size of the city of Seattle, but a significant part of King County’s history and natural resource heritage. I congratulate everyone involved for their vision and hard work in maintaining the region’s beauty, familiar landscape, and outdoor lifestyle for generations into the future.”

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