Environmental Law Reshapes Forest Practices

In the 1970s, new environmental laws were created to protect public resources such as wildlife habitat, clean air, and clean water through the Endangered Species Act, and the Clean Water and Clean Air Acts. These laws have affected working forests. Private landowners have learned from science and are committed to create and maintain healthy fish and wildlife habitat, while providing clean air and water. There is also the Forest Practices Act of 1974, which requires a balance between protecting public resources and assuring that Washington continues to be a productive timber growing state. The Forest Practices rules have been amended and strengthened 13 times since they were established.