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House approves bill to
transfer state forest land to
promote timber harvesting
Measure would
benefit Skamania and Klickitat counties
The House of
Representatives yesterday passed a bill sponsored by
Rep. Bruce
Chandler, R-Granger, that would help counties harvest more
timber on county-owned land.
House Bill 1595 would allow the Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) to
transfer land management to other public entities within small counties
that are dependent on timber. It would affect just Skamania, Klickitat,
Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.
"Smaller counties dependent on timber revenue, like Skamania and
Klickitat, have been unable to harvest timber due to habitat
conservation efforts," Chandler said. "This bill allows DNR to buy
replacement land for habitat conservation and free up more land for
timber harvest."
Chandler noted that Skamania County was receiving about $2 million per
year in timber revenue, and now brings in just $200,000 each year.
"Even though it may seem like a minor bill, it is really critical for
these four counties," he said.
The measure was passed unanimously off the
House floor. It now goes to the Senate for further consideration.
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For more information, contact:
Sarah Lamb, Public Information
Officer - (360) 786-7720
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