Washington State to conserve 77,000 acres of “legacy forests” on state lands

Washington State has taken a historic step to preserve its most valuable forests. On August 26, 2025, Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove signed a new order to permanently conserve 77,000 acres of what are known as “legacy forests.” This action is being called the most significant conservation move in a generation. It is a bold new approach that balances ecological preservation with the state’s economic needs, and it follows a growing recognition of the multiple values that forests provide.

The Value of Legacy Forests

These legacy forests, while not old-growth, are critical for the health of the ecosystem. They are prized for their rich biodiversity, robust carbon storage capacity, and natural resilience to wildfires. A new inventory of 106,000 acres of these forests was created by a team of scientists and forest ecologists. From this data, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) selected the 77,000 most significant acres to protect. This decision effectively conserves all remaining older forests on state timber lands. The move acknowledges that these forests are not just a source of timber but are also vital natural assets.

Balancing Conservation and Economic Needs

The conservation effort is carefully balanced to ensure continued revenue for essential public services. A total of 29,000 acres of these forests will still be available for a sustainable timber harvest. Public Lands Commissioner Upthegrove stated that harvest projections are expected to remain steady for the next decade. He also emphasized the need for new, innovative approaches to stewardship. This includes exploring ecosystem-service funding, such as the sale of carbon credits, to support trust lands. This approach proves that conservation and a healthy economy can go hand in hand. It represents a shift towards a more holistic view of forest management, where forests are valued for their climate benefits as well as their timber.

A Response to Public Demand

The decision to protect these legacy forests follows a period of high-profile activism. Environmental advocates and activists have called for more urgent action, with protests and tree-sits drawing public attention to the issue. This groundswell of support highlighted the public’s desire to see these unique ecosystems preserved. The new plan, while criticized by some groups for not going far enough, is a significant response to this demand. It shows that the state government is listening to its citizens and that public action can drive real change. The new plan provides a new vision for forestry that recognizes the importance of biodiversity and climate-smart practices.

A Beacon of Hope for the Future

This new conservation strategy aims to chart a sustainable future for Washington’s forests. By weaving ecology, innovation, and public financing together, the DNR hopes to create a model that can be replicated elsewhere. As the state explores new markets for ecosystem services and adopts updated forestry practices, these protected forests could become the old-growth refuges of tomorrow. This move demonstrates how stewardship can evolve in the face of climate change and shifting societal values. It is a powerful message of hope for a future where economic growth and environmental protection are not seen as competing interests but as mutually reinforcing goals.

• For more information, the Washington Department of Natural Resources has published a fact sheet on this initiative.
• You can read more about the economics of this decision in a report from the Oregon Capital Chronicle.
• You can find more information on Washington’s conservation goals from the Washington DNR Forest Forward initiative.
• The Legacy Forest Defense Coalition also offers additional perspectives on the need for stronger protections.