ESI welcomed the Center for Responsible Forestry as its latest sponsored project in July 2023.
The Center for Responsible Forestry (CRF) works on behalf of all people to achieve the permanent protection of the last remaining mature forests on state lands in Western Washington.
There are only around 77,000 Acres of unprotected mature forests left on state lands, and many have already been clearcut. These last mature forests represent only 3% of lands managed by the WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Mature forests are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. CRF is committed to protecting these invaluable ecosystems and ensuring that they remain intact and thriving in perpetuity. Mature forests provide clean air, clean water, soil retention, and numerous public health benefits throughout the region. They are our state's best natural climate solution because they store and capture more carbon than most forests worldwide.
CRF works with community groups and environmental organizations to safeguard mature forests by advocating for conservation policies at the local and state level. We also offer educational programs and community outreach to raise awareness about the importance of these forests and the urgent need to protect them.
Mature forests are critical to the health and wellbeing of the broader ecosystem. From climate change mitigation to public health outcomes, CRF's mission to preserve WA's mature forests has never been more important.
