Clallam County Forestry Debate Highlights Timber Shortages and Environmental Concerns

In a lively session at the Clallam County Commissioner’s Board Meeting on August 26, 2025, discussions centered on pressing issues affecting local forestry practices and environmental management. The meeting, held in the heart of the county, drew attention to the urgent need for improved forest health measures amid rising fire dangers attributed to climate change.

Commissioner Worthen opened the dialogue by highlighting the alarming state of local forests, where dead timber and dry conditions have become increasingly prevalent. He emphasized the necessity of both thinning forests and conducting controlled burns to mitigate fire risks, a strategy that has seen limited implementation in recent years. “We are not doing much of that, if any,” he noted, calling for more proactive measures from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

The conversation shifted to workforce challenges in the forestry sector, with Worthen pointing out a significant shortage of trained professionals. He praised the state’s Good Neighbor Authority initiative, which allows state personnel to assist with forest management tasks traditionally handled by the Forest Service, thereby addressing some of the staffing gaps.

Local resident Jim Bauer, a veteran logger, voiced his concerns regarding recent DNR short sales, questioning their efficiency and financial returns. He urged the commissioners to push for audits on these sales to ensure they are beneficial for the county. “I can’t believe the government can run something more efficient than private enterprise,” he remarked, advocating for transparency and accountability in public forestry operations.

Bauer also raised issues surrounding a controversial culvert replacement project near Sequim, criticizing the expenditure of public funds on what he deemed unnecessary infrastructure. He called for more public discussions on such topics, suggesting that the county should facilitate deeper dialogues to address community concerns.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from the commissioners to continue engaging with the public on these critical issues, recognizing the importance of community input in shaping effective policies. As the session wrapped up, the atmosphere remained charged with a sense of urgency and a shared responsibility to protect the county’s natural resources for future generations.