Park creation would protect forest

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) continues to log forests in the Lake Whatcom watershed. Thanks to efforts by local citizens and legislators, the agency is required by law to follow logging rules set by the Landscape Plan. But how strict are these rules? Below are some images of logging conducted in  the summer of 2008 under the Landscape Plan rules. This particular logging operation was conducted just above the Northshore trailhead inside the area currently being proposed for a park.

The county has proposed creating a 8,400 acre preserve that would shift management of 25% of the Lake Whatcom watershed from DNR management to county park management. Creation of this park would prevent timber sales like the White Chanterelle and would help protect drinking water.

Before and after at the White Chanterelle Timber Sale >

View a slideshow about Lake Whatcom. Before and after logging photos: many thanks to Aric Meyer. Other photos: thanks to Jonah Keith, Jasmine Minbashian, and Paul Anderson.