HEALTHY FORESTS ARE RESPONSIBLY MANAGED Washington’s private forest landowners protect their growing forests from fire, insects, and disease, while safeguarding wildlife and water quality. Prevention efforts should also include techniques to stop a spark or lightning strike from becoming an uncontrolled fire. Because of climate change, Washington is at risk for more intense, severe wildfires. Don’t start a burn on a windy day. NFPA’s Wildfire Division provides resources to residents and stakeholders to help ensure that everyone living at risk from wildfire has the information, knowledge, and tools to reduce their risk. Sustainable Forestry Reduce Wildfire Risk wildfire. A trade association representing private forest landowners in Washington State whose members are large and small companies, individuals and families who grow, harvest and re-grow trees on almost 4 million acres of timberland. Only start a campfire or bonfire in an appropriate fire pit, cleared of all vegetation and ringed by stones. Consider wetting down the surrounding grass and other vegetation before lighting your fireworks. Foliage and root diseases can spread among the forest, killing trees. The 2013 Washington State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Planfrom the Washington Department of Natural Resources identified 221 communities in 34 counties at greatest risk to wildland fire, based on criteria in the wildfire hazard severity analysis developed by the National Fire Protection Association. This legislation protects our communities by ensuring firefighters have the resources and training they need to get to fires quickly and keep them small, which prevents the megafires that threaten neighborhoods and cost millions of dollars to suppress. Fortunately, the way we plant and maintain the landscaping around our homes can reduce the chance that a small fire becomes a wildfire. “Prescribed fires” are managed fires used to intentionally clear out heavy vegetation under trees, prepare new seed beds, and dispose of excess wood debris on the forest floor. For example, the Washington DNR’s 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan shows how these objectives can be met. Actually, more than 85% of the planted seedlings will go on to survive in the reforested areas. Insects, such as bark beetles, attack trees already under stress from some other factor. Legislation, endorsed by Washington Fire Chiefs and American Lung Association, generates $63 million each year to reduce state’s wildfire danger Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and state legislators, flanked by fire chiefs and public health advocates, unveiled a proposal Monday to – for the first time – provide dedicated funding to improve Washington’s wildfire The 2018 Crescent Mountain Fire outside Twisp alone cost more than $40 million to suppress. Private landowners are participating in the State’s Forest Health Technical Advisory Committee, which held meetings across the state to listen to the public’s concerns about forest health. Here are a few observations that might help advance the conversation. Never leave a fire unattended, such as overnight. Dry grass and shrubs are fuel for wildfire. Washington’s Working Foresters Social Squares. A national scientific and educational organization representing professional foresters. Most of Washington State is vulnerable to wildland fires. Because the “safest” wildfire is one that never starts, here are some tips on how to reduce the chance of wildfire from: Campfires and Bonfires. Always make sure your fire is completely doused with water and smothered with dirt before leaving. In 2015, the Department of Natural Resources, Washington’s wildfire fighting force, responded to 1,541 wildfires, and 1.14 million acres burned – the most ever. Defining a common set of long-term objectives and working together to increase trust and transparency can help stakeholders and forest managers move past conflict to reconciliation on this critical issue. Always make sure your fire is completely doused or smothered with dirt before leaving. Catastrophic wildfires, on the other hand, can endanger fish and wildlife species, compromise air quality, and threaten the safety of Washington’s communities. “The American Lung Association recognizes climate change as the greatest public health threat of our time – and we are seeing the impacts right here in our state. First priority should be given to locations where all parties can agree on management actions. Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz and state legislators, flanked by fire chiefs and public health advocates, unveiled a proposal Monday to – for the first time – provide dedicated funding to improve Washington’s wildfire response capability and restore wildfire resistance in our forests. Thinning also reduces excess fuels in a given area, making wildfires more manageable thus reducing smoke emissions. 2020 Tree Farmer of the... August 28, 2020. Accurately diagnosing and managing these forest health threats is the first step to protecting forests from harm ensuring they will grow into the future. During the time a wildfire is in your area… Stay aware of the latest news and updates from your local media and fire department. The CPAW program is a partnership between Headwaters Economics and Wildfire Planning International. With proper application of forest herbicides, private forest landowners can promote the growth of their young trees by controlling wild vegetation that competes for growing space above and below ground, and by enriching soils with fertilizers. Giving Circles Only start a campfire or bonfire in an appropriate fire pit, cleared of all vegetation and ringed by stones. This year, DNR crews battled 1,165 fires, and 130,000 acres burned. Dispose of used matches and butts in a closed container or cup of water. Both perspectives are grounded in real concerns. If it is brown, cut it down to reduce fire intensity. Washington’s private forest landowners protect their growing forests from fire, insects, and disease, while safeguarding wildlife and water quality. Every year, wildfires burn across the United States, and a growing number of people are living where wildfires are a real risk. “By sharing the burden, we acknowledge that wildfire impacts all of us and minimize the cost to each household – just over $1 per month, cheaper than a Coke,”, “It’s no secret that big insurance companies are going to fight us. Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en español » también! Investments to protect fire-prone communities in the wildland-urban interface ($15 million). Because fire ignores ownership boundaries, private forest landowners across the state are collaborating with the local, state, and federal governments to develop programs for increased funding for fire fighting and prevention, as well as to research and adopt best fire management practices. Never leave a fire unattended, such as overnight. Mow grassy areas regularly so that the grass is never more than 4” high. It is possible to improve forest health and reduce severe fire risks while supporting jobs in rural Washington. These facilities are able to turn the small diameter timber thinned from unhealthy forests into environmentally friendly building materials for our towns and cities. The greatest threat of catastrophic wildfire today is in U.S. National Forests, where years of fire suppression practices in the 20th century has allowed our federally-owned forests to reach dangerous fuel load levels. Excessive animal damage can prevent young seedlings and vigorously growing new forests from reestablishing. Protecting and enhancing the values of sustainable working forests. Restore Healthy Forests-Reduce Wildfire Risk, DNR’s 20-Year Forest Health Strategic Plan, State’s Forest Health Technical Advisory Committee. WFPA works with other forestry organizations that represent our community of forestry, timber, milling and wood products companies and workers, such as: A trade association representing private forest landowners in Washington State whose members are large and small companies, individuals and families who grow, harvest and re-grow trees on almost 4 million acres of timberland. Video: A Conversation with Congressman Kevin McCarthy. Find our Emergency App in the Apple Store » or Google Play ». We are professional men and women foresters, contract loggers, pulp and paper mill workers, small family forestland owners and saw mill operators. Washington Forest Protection Association. Our work sustains a cycle of growth, harvest and production that generates millions of board feet of renewable wood every year in Washington state. WASHINGTON FOREST PROTECTION ASSOCIATION. Insects, disease and excessive animal damage can be a threat to healthy, sustainable forests. In 2018, DNR responded to 1,850 wildfires – a record high – and 440,000 acres burned. Temperature extremes, drought and high winds can damage broad areas of forest or create stress which makes trees more vulnerable to disease and insect infestations. A Working Forest is expertly managed by professional foresters to provide a continuous supply of renewable, sustainable wood products for building materials—with a focus on protecting fish, water and wildlife. We're committed to reducing the impacts of climate change, and to help our state's communities prepare for the impacts that cannot be avoided. A statewide organization representing small forest land owners. Create a defensible space around your home by using the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) zone concept. We’re also educators and scientists working toward a more complete understanding of the role of carbon-friendly working forests in providing solutions for some of the problems we face. Just this year, two cross-laminated timber facilities. The state of Washington is moving to aggressively thin forests to reduce the worsening wildfire risk. Achieving healthy forests is a shared responsibility between the public and landowners. Help people affected by disasters big and small. Get your family, home and pets prepared to … Forest management can have an immediate impact, and it can be implemented under existing environmental laws.