Counties push back against USDA's rapid forest management changes

In a recent government meeting, officials expressed concerns over the expedited process of the USDA's proposed actions regarding forest management, particularly the National Old Growth Amendment. The discussion highlighted a significant procedural deviation where local counties and municipalities, typically consulted first, were treated as general public stakeholders without prior notice of need. This shift has raised alarms about the potential economic impacts on local communities, as officials emphasized the importance of early engagement to assess the ramifications of such federal actions.

Commissioner McKinney from Yakima underscored the urgency of submitting comments during the initial stages of the process to ensure local voices are heard, warning that failure to do so could lead to their concerns being disregarded later. The officials noted that the timeline for public comments is unusually quick for a matter of such significance, which could limit thorough public engagement.

The meeting also addressed the potential integration of the Old Growth Amendment into the Northwest Forest Management Plan, a move that could bypass a more extensive review process typically required for significant policy changes. Concerns were raised that this could undermine local forest management practices and economic considerations, particularly regarding timber harvests.

In response to these developments, the board unanimously approved a motion to sign a memorandum of understanding with the USDA, aiming to ensure that the county's interests are represented in the ongoing discussions. The officials reiterated the need for vigilance in monitoring these federal actions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balance between environmental goals and economic viability for local communities.