Healthy Forests Support Public Services and Local Jobs

Mason County, WA - A thriving economy is built on a foundation of strong, sustainable industries. At the Mason County Economic Development Council (EDC), our mission is to support and grow the economy by fostering business development, creating jobs, and ensuring economic stability for future generations. While attracting new businesses is vital, an equally important component of our work is protecting and strengthening the businesses that already thrive here such as our historic and critical forest industry.

In Mason County, our forest products industry is a major economic driver, contributing nearly $56 million in wages annually and generating more than $5 million in taxes and fees. Companies like Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) play a crucial role in keeping this industry competitive, maintaining jobs, and ensuring that Washington remains a top producer in the nation’s timber economy.

Growers like Green Diamond Resource Company have sustainably managed these forests for generations. A leader in sustainable forestry, Green Diamond’s unique 50-year Habitat Conservation Plan ensures clean water, maintains wildlife habitats, and supports a continuous cycle of harvesting, replanting, and nurturing our forests for future generations.

Washington state also owns more than 56,000 acres of land in Mason County. These lands are managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and are held in trust to generate revenue for critical public services such as schools, hospitals, and infrastructure.

Over the past decade, timber sales from state trust lands have generated an average of $4.3 million annually for our community. This funding benefits institutions and services including but not limited to:

• Fire districts

• Schools

• Timberland Regional Library

• Both public hospital districts

• Mason County and its roads department

• Veterans’ assistance and mental health programs

Furthermore, 25 percent of state timber sales revenue is reinvested into DNR to support environmental reviews, maintain roads, enhance recreational opportunities and other management activities on these lands.

Recently, the newly elected Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove announced that DNR would pause 23 timber sales across Washington, including three sales in Mason County. These three sales alone are projected to generate nearly $2.3 million in revenue for our local institutions and services.

This decision threatens not only the revenue that supports our community but also the long-term viability of our forest industry. State trust lands provide an essential supply of timber to mills like SPI, which depend on it to maintain operations. With timber harvests on federal lands already at a near standstill, state trust lands have become even more critical for sustaining our local industry.

Decisions made today will impact our economy and environment for decades to come. DNR has spent years developing and refining a long-term forest management plan that considers environmental goals, operability, market needs, recreation and other public values. Public input has been an integral part of this process, and nearly half of state forestlands are already off-limits to harvest to preserve environmental balance.

For the health of our economy and forests, it is essential that the remaining state trust lands continue to be managed responsibly for timber production. Sustainable harvesting ensures that our forests remain productive while continuing to generate revenue for essential public services.

The forest industry is a fundamental pillar of Mason County’s economy and identity. We must work together—businesses, government agencies, and community leaders—to protect this industry, ensuring that timber remains a sustainable, revenue-generating resource. Pausing timber sales places unnecessary strain on our economy, local services, and forest-dependent jobs.

Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to responsible forest management rooted in environmental stewardship and economic sustainability. By supporting our local forest industry, we are investing in Mason County’s future—ensuring that our schools, hospitals, roads, and community services remain funded, and our forests continue to thrive for generations to come.

We urge state leadership to reconsider the pause on timber sales and work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop solutions that support both conservation and economic vitality. Mason County’s future depends on it.

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