The Northwest Forest Plan (NWFP) encompasses 17 National Forests, 7 BLM Districts, and 6 National Parks. The region is characterized by its diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal rainforests to mountainous terrains, including old growth forests, aquatic ecosystems, and critical biodiversity. The Pacific NW forests are under threat from climate change, logging, road-building, and fire suppression. To mitigate these impacts, the Forest Service launched an update of the NWFP in 2023 to improve forest resiliency and protect mature and old-growth forests. The plan is a comprehensive strategy for managing federal lands, aimed at protecting old-growth forests and the species that depend on them, while also supporting social and economic sustainability, including timber harvesting, recreation, and other activities.
The Forest Service appointed a 22-member Federal Advisory Committee to provide consensus advice on three key topics: wildfire resilience, mature and old growth forest conservation, and centering Indigenous priorities in land management. Last year, the Committee delivered recommendations to the Secretary of Agriculture and Chief of the Forest Service. Based on these recommendations, the Forest Service released a draft environmental impact statement in November 2024. Methow Valley Citizens Council and its partners will focus on engaging rural organizers to show community support and elevate Tribal engagement with the goal of obtaining a strong final environmental impact statement and Record of Decision for this landscape.
