Update: Firvana Timber Sale delayed thanks to letters from KEC, Kitsap Commissioners, and You!

DNR Firvana Timber Sale – KEC Letter of Objection

May 5, 2025

The Kitsap Environmental Coalition (KEC) objects to the sale of timber at the Firvana site next to Green Mountain for the following reasons.

First, the Commissioners of Kitsap County and KEC have called for delaying sales of structurally complex forests around Green Mountain. This delay provides time to evaluate the sites more and attempt to convert them from timber sites to areas preserved for future generations and nature.

Second, the logic used by DNR to justify the timber sale and clear cutting is the presence of tree pathogens and infected trees at the site which may eventually lead to many more infected and dead trees. However, this logic is based on the assumption that timber value will be lost if the site remains Trust Land dedicated to income generation. As stated in Point #1, this assumption about the long-term status of the site may not be correct. If the site is conserved instead of harvested, then the presence of pathogens will be acceptable and seen as part of nature. PNW trees have co-existed and co-evolved with pathogens for thousands of years. These natural pathogens play a critical role in the successional process — creating standing dead trees and canopy openings that allow shade tolerant tree species like hemlock and cedar to emerge from the understory.

Third, this stand is entirely a Maturation II forest that regenerated after a wildfire that occurred over 80 years ago. It contains a mosaic of different plant species and communities with fire-scarred old growth snags and a variety of wildlife. It’s located above the popular Tin Mine Trail in Green Mountain State Forest and the Gold Creek Beaver Ponds. This is one of the only Maturation II stands in the entirety of Green Mountain State Forest. Thus, KEC believes that it should be preserved to contribute as a mature forest to the ecosystem including the Ponds and valley below. DNR must know that the public significantly enjoys the healthy, ecologically prosperous ecosystem as they hike at Green Mountain. Please do not permit soil erosion and invasion of weedy species to occur by clear cutting the site.

David Onstad, President

Martha Burke, Vice-President

Paul Larson, Treasurer

Beverly Parsons, Secretary

Dave Shorett

Thanks to Public Lands Commissioner Dave Upthegrove for his action to protect this vital resource.