The landscape of Washington's forest management and timber industry is set for improvement following the signing of two significant bills by Governor Bob Ferguson, championed by Rep. Adam Bernbaum (D-Port Angeles). According to the Washington House Democrats, Bernbaum's legislative efforts aim to bolster forest health and enhance wildfire prevention measures within the state.
House Bill 1563, which received bipartisan support in both houses, addresses an age-old method practiced by local tribes—prescribed burns. The legislation establishes a pilot program to support controlled fires, a proactive step to mitigate the escalating threat of wildfires. "More Washingtonians are at risk every year as wildfire season gets longer and climate change increases the damage done to property and homes across the state," Rep. Bernbaum expressed in a statement obtained by the House Democrats blog. "Prescribed fire is one of the most effective tool we can use to keep our forests healthy and protect our communities."
Another piece of the legislative package, House Bill 1389, ensures fairness and transparency in the state's timber market. The bill extends the sunset on timber harvesting data reporting requirements through September 30, 2029, continuing a two-decade-long practice of utilizing this data to set equitable stumpage prices. Stumpage, the value assigned to standing timber, is central to the taxation of timber upon its harvest.
Securing an effective and fair market valuation is crucial, as buyers purchasing more than 200,000 board feet of timber are mandated to report sale details to the Department of Revenue. Such measures guarantee stumpage prices reflect the actual market value and conditions. "Washington is a timber rich state, and that should be reflected in our economy," Rep. Bernbaum noted. "This system works – let’s keep it going," as per Washington House Democrats.
