Contact: Zachary DeWolf, Washington Environmental Council, zachary@waconservationaction.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State’s Community Forest Program receives $16.3 million in inaugural year

Six community forest projects to be funded in the capital budget

OLYMPIA – Washington’s 2021-23 capital budget includes $16.3 million for a new Community Forest Program administered by the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). This level of funding will support six projects driven by local communities in Chelan, Jefferson, Pierce, Klickitat, Kittitas, and Kitsap Counties.

The new Community Forest grant program, open to local governments, tribes, and nonprofits, addresses a critical funding gap in the state by supporting the acquisition and development of important working forestlands so they can be managed on behalf of local communities. In centering the needs of local stakeholders, community forests promote active management, restoration and development that provide immediate economic impact, while securing the lasting ecological and social benefits that Washington’s working forests hold. Download the full press release here.