Land in Thurston County may be up for conservation. You can help decide
The state Department of Natural Resources has announced a second phase of carbon sequestration projects, an effort that will include public webinars, an open house and a survey.
The carbon project is meant to preserve Western Washington’s ‘most ecologically valuable’ forests, according to DNR. It will allow them to grow and absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Stored carbon will generate “carbon credits,” or permits that organizations and individuals can buy to cancel out their own emissions.
Earlier this year, DNR saved 2,500 acres of forests from being logged. The land will still generate revenue, though, through its carbon sequestration project.
DNR’s goal is to have 10,000 acres of forests in the project. The public has been invited to help DNR choose 7,500 acres out of more than 11,000, according to a news release. One of those parcels is located in Thurston County.
The parcel here is labeled on the DNR’s map as Summit. DNR communications director Sarah Ford told The Olympian the parcel doesn’t include Delica, the proposed cut that has raised concerns from county residents and officials alike.
“It was determined that the Delica stands do not have the carbon sequestration capability for inclusion in the project due to a soil pathogen (in) the area,” Ford said.
Parcels are located across 11 mostly Western Washington counties.
The first webinar will be at 11 a.m. Oct. 26, and an in-person open house will be at 6 p.m. Nov. 1. The online survey will close Nov. 18. More information can be found online at www.dnr.wa.gov/carbonoutreach.
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