Northeast Washington Forest Coalition files first project objection in 18 year history
News Release
The Northeast Washington Forest Coalition (NEWFC) objected to the San Poil Project on the Colville National Forest (CNF). This is the first objection to a project in NEWFC’s entire 18-year history.
NEWFC objected because of their dissatisfaction with the collaboration on this particular project. The maps provided to the public were not user-friendly and hampered NEWFC’s ability to field verify particular treatments and potential impacts. Violation of NEWFC’s longstanding collaborative agreement to not operate in roadless areas is of particular concern, especially if these treatments then preclude these acres from being included in the Wilderness Preservation System.
“While we like many aspects of the San Poil project, there are portions that go against our longstanding collaborative agreements. We look forward to working with the Colville National Forest to find resolutions,” said Matt Scott, NEWFC President and the Vaagen Brothers Lumber representative on the NEWFC Board.
Northeast Washington Forest Coalition and the Colville National Forest discuss the Sanpoil project during a field trip to the project area in summer 2020. Photo by Sarah Newman
NEWFC’s formal objection raises a number of concerns, specifically that the project: did not provide adequate public information, does not sufficiently trend towards landscape resiliency, uses shaded fuel breaks inappropriately in and adjacent to Inventoried Roadless Areas and Recommended Wilderness, insufficiently analyzes unauthorized road impacts and wildlife viability, and inadequately preserves scenic integrity near trails and within Inventoried Roadless Areas. The objection process aims to find a resolution to these issues without legal action and to improve project quality.
“We aim to help the Colville National Forest create the best possible project that promotes science-based ecological restoration for our forest and aquatic habitats, and preserves wilderness qualities in appropriate areas,” said Tiana Luke, NEWFC Board Member and the Northeast Washington Conservation Associate for Conservation Northwest.
Formed in 2002, the NEWFC works in concert with the CNF to promote ecological forest restoration, aquatic restoration, wildland protection, recreation, economic stability in the community. NEWFC collaborates with the CNF to increase efficiencies in planning, produce high-quality ecological forest restoration, compromise social differences, ensure permanent protection of our wildlands, and support local communities. NEWFC primary mission is to demonstrate the full potential of restoration forestry, conservation actions, and wildland protections to enhance forest health, wildlife habitat, public safety, and community economic vitality.
Read the full objection here.
Media Contact:
Tiana Luke
Matt Scott