The Pacific Northwest region of the United States is home to some of the most biodiverse and carbon-dense forests outside the tropics. These forests are crucial to carbon sequestration and play a vital role in climate resiliency and biodiversity. These trees also provide habitat for a wide range of species, including threatened and endangered ones. However, the Pacific Northwest forests are under threat from climate change, further exacerbated by human activities such as logging, road-building, and fire suppression.
To mitigate the effects of climate change for 24.5 million acres of federally managed lands in western Oregon, Washington, and northwestern California, the administration is looking to protect mature and old-growth forests through an update of the Northwest Forest Plan. In December 2023, the Forest Service published a Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement to amend the 17 land management plans of the Northwest Forest Plan. The process will serve to address concerns including wildfire resilience, climate change adaptation, and greater tribal inclusion in the plan.
MVCC has been working with The Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, and Cascade Forest Conservancy to prepare for this opportunity. The coalition will work to demonstrate support through the comment periods; work with scientists to ensure a strong legal and scientific foundation around the revision effort; and elevate the community voice using outreach and communications tools.
