The Forest Practices Board is an independent state agency chaired by the Commissioner of Public Lands or designee. The Forest Practices Board was established by the 1974 Forest Practices Act and the rules it adopts are implemented and enforced by DNR.
The Board's responsibilities include:
- Adopting rules that set standards for forest practices such as timber harvests, pre-commercial thinning, road construction and forest chemical applications.
- Providing a Forest Practices Board Manual as a technical supplement to the rules.
The Board also manages:
The Forest Practices Adaptive Management Program, which represents landowners, public agencies, the forest industry, environmental community and tribal governments. This program provides science-based recommendations and technical information to help the Board determine if and when it is necessary or advisable to adjust the rules and guidance for aquatic resources to achieve the goals and objectives of the Forests and Fish Report.
Two key Adaptive Management Program committees established by the Forest Practices Board are the:
- Timber, Fish and Wildlife Policy Committee, which develops solutions to issues arising in the Forest Practices Program that implements the rules, and the
- Cooperative Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Committee, a multi-disciplinary body dedicated to advancing the science of adaptive management.
Membership
The Board has 13 members, including seven who are appointed by the governor. Bob Guenther currently represents small forest land owners on the Forest Practices Board.
Meetings
The Forest Practices Board holds public meetings on the second Wednesday of February, May, August and November. Special meetings may be called anytime by the chair or by a majority of the board. The Board's Business Reference Guide explains the Board's practices and procedures.
Comments on agenda action items may be made in person at the Board meeting or they may submitted by email to: forest.practicesboard@dnr.wa.gov, FAX to: 360-902-1428 or mailed to: Forest Practices Board, Department of Natural Resources, PO Box 47012, Olympia, WA 98504-7012.
Board meetings will also be listed on the agency calendar.