JLARC to review DNR methods for Eastern Washington sustainable-harvest calculation
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Summary
JLARC began a contractor-supported review of the Department of Natural Resources’ data and methods for calculating an Eastern Washington sustainable timber-harvest level; staff will follow DNR’s work and report once DNR issues its draft calculation.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee on Sept. 17 outlined a JLARC review of the Department of Natural Resources’ methods and data for calculating the sustainable timber-harvest level for Eastern Washington, work required by a 2021 legislative directive.
JLARC staff told the committee DNR manages more than 2 million acres of forest land and sets separate harvest calculations for Eastern and Western Washington because forest conditions differ by region; DNR last set an Eastern Washington level in 1996 and is recalculating it now. The legislature directed JLARC to evaluate DNR’s inventory data, growth-and-yield models, harvest and yield data, and modeling techniques that affect sustainable harvest calculations. JLARC staff said they have contracted with subject-matter experts and will review DNR’s documentation and final deliverable once DNR completes its calculation.
Committee members asked how JLARC will handle uncertainty about future disturbances such as wildfire. Susanna Pratt said staff will review whether and how DNR incorporates wildfire-affected areas and other disturbances in inventory and modelling, but noted DNR cannot predict future catastrophic events; if a significant disturbance occurs after a harvest level is set, the Board of Natural Resources and DNR can revisit harvest decisions.
The preliminary JLARC report will follow DNR’s draft Eastern Washington calculation (currently expected late 2026), and the proposed final JLARC report will follow. JLARC staff said they will notify the Board of Natural Resources when the report is available and offer to present findings to the board, per the statutory requirement that the board "consider" JLARC’s report when setting the next harvest level.
Less-critical detail: JLARC will work with at least one and likely multiple external contractors with expertise in forest inventory and growth-and-yield modeling to evaluate DNR’s approach and whether it aligns with accepted best practices.