Central Washington’s forests are currently at great risk of catastrophic wildfire.
The federal government has designated Central Washington as one of 21 landscapes in the West that are experiencing a wildfire crisis, and is investing an unprecedented $150 million across 3.1 million acres – known as the Central Washington Initiative. State and private funders are contributing several million more for this “all hands, all lands” effort.
Sustainable Northwest has been brought in to serve as a strategic hub of information and coordination for all partners -- while also ensuring Tribes are engaged and building support from local businesses, community groups, and more. This effort is the largest forest restoration project in Washington state history.
HOW WE ARE WORKING TO RESTORE FOREST HEALTH + PROTECT COMMUNITIES FROM CATASTROPHIC FIRE:
Restore fire-prone forests for water, wildlife, and fire by removing small-diameter and encroaching conifer trees and shrubs, which are highly flammable.
Prescribed, low-intensity fire to remove built-up fuels and flammable undergrowth, protect old trees, promote native plants for wildlife, and store carbon in the soil.
Strategic fuel breaks near communities to stop high-intensity fires from reaching homes.
Home hardening and fire-wise practices to protect buildings and homes and create better access for firefighters.
We serve as a strategic hub to help interested parties increase the pace and scale of forest restoration, fire resilience, and community protection. Here’s how:
Identify, prioritize, and fund projects that reduce wildfire risk and protect communities including: small-diameter tree thinning, prescribed fire, home hardening, and defensible space around homes.
Create efficiencies by connecting partners across land ownership — Tribal, federal, state, local, and private — helping them coordinate forest stewardship and community protection opportunities.
Advance and leverage policy, legal, and funding tools that can get on-the-ground projects done more quickly, including the Good Neighbor Authority Act, Stewardship Contracts, and Tribal co-stewardship agreements.
Inform and mitigate policy and legislative barriers to achieving forest health goals.
Develop local jobs, training, and economic opportunities for communities implementing forest stewardship and community protection projects.
By serving as a strategic hub of information and coordination for all partners, we are helping to complete more on-the-ground projects more quickly.
