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Blueprint Means Jobs and Wildlife
A broad coalition that includes mill workers, conservationists, business owners, recreationists, loggers, and foresters announced today a comprehensive proposal to improve forestry, wildlife habitat, and recreation on the Colville National Forest in northeast Washington. A Headwaters economic analysis concurs that the coalition is on the right track.
Economics supports innovative management plan
The Northeast Washington Forestry Coalition, which includes Conservation Northwest, on July 25, 2007, released its “Blueprint for the Colville”–a proposal that strives for a balanced approach to managing the national forest and promotes a variety of activities in three different management zones: responsible management areas, restoration areas, and roadless/wilderness.
A recent economic analysis of the blueprint conducted for the coalition by Headwaters Economics, found that the proposal has the potential to create 220 to 440 jobs in the woods products industry, assuming that other influential factors such as markets and log prices remain steady.
Under the blueprint, timber mills would be able to continue operating with a more secure supply of timber into the future. A third of the forest would be available for responsible forestry to reduce fire risk near communities through careful thinning and to provide a sustainable timber harvest with a minimum of new road construction using methods that conserve soils, water, and wildlife habitat. This area would also provide opportunities for non-motorized and motorized recreation activities and trail development.
The economic report also found that wilderness and other protected public lands are associated with local economic growth and well-being.
The blueprint identifies sixteen roadless areas with wilderness characteristics, such as the Thirteen Mile 
Basin in Ferry County and Abercrombie Mountain in Pend Oreille County, which provide for high-quality backcountry hunting, fishing, hiking, and equestrian opportunities. The blueprint proposes that these areas would be managed to maintain and restore their wilderness qualities and provide secure habitat for wildlife and opportunities for non-motorized recreation.
The coalition has also identified other parts of the forest that would benefit from active stewardship and enhancement projects for wildlife habitat and recreation trail development. Restoration projects in these areas would include thinning of dense forest stands to reduce fire risk and encourage the growth of big, fire resistant trees; restoration of important wildlife habitat; and creation of new opportunities for the growing demand of all types of recreation.
Above all, the economic report highlights the importance of moving away from adversity and towards a collaborative, problem-solving approach to land management. Though difficult to quantify, creating a “can-do” atmosphere that is attractive to people and business may be the most effective way of encouraging economic growth and local investments.
The proposal has been submitted to the US Forest Service as a strategy for the Colville Forest Management Plan, which is currently being revised.
This summer the coalition will host presentations and community meetings to solicit feedback on the initial blueprint and develop a more thorough plan. Following community involvement and input, the coalition will seek authorities to establish restoration and responsible forestry zones, designate new wilderness, and provide funding to pay for new recreation facilities including trail development and maintenance, community wildfire protection, and forest restoration.