Eden Valley Guest Ranch.

Private Land Timber Economics in Washington State

Timber economics in Washington State on public and private land have been manipulated and many opportunities and dollars have been lost and timber wasted.  Severe wildfire and infestations waste countless acres of timber creating dead zones for wildlife.  Private Washington State timber owners are being hurt by policies made by people removed from the land.

The United States of America struggles with individual, business and national public debt and still property owners attempt to make a living.  It is a huge concern that there are few markets in northeastern Washington for logs and the trend will probably continue.  Most sawmills in north central Washington have been closed and probably will never reopen due to experience required, equipment technology changes and costs, transportation costs, government regulatory costs and the restricted timber supply.  Trees like hay and grain are renewable resources.

Not managing or thinning the forest will hurt landowners, wildlife, birds, livestock producers, and the general landscape because tree health will not be optimum.  The local drought conditions from 2000 though 2009 stressed trees and other resources.  In American history, public lands provided economic benefits to local, State and Federal budgets.

Wildfire has been a major threat to public and private lands as well as personal property and life.  Prescribed burning is less controversial, but currently has huge insurance risks as a management tool.  Even so, it does nothing to help with the economy.