Commissioners voice concern over proposed Forest Practices Board buffer rules for non‑fish streams
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Summary
Lewis County commissioners said they are actively following state Forest Practices Board rulemaking on buffers for non‑fish‑bearing streams, criticized the governor for not appointing a county representative to the board, and said they are coordinating with state legislators and local partners to oppose extended buffers that they say could affect
Commissioners discussed a state rulemaking process during announcements on Aug. 26, saying Lewis County has been actively involved and is concerned about proposed Forest Practices Board rules that would extend riparian buffers to non‑fish‑bearing streams.
One county official told the commission, “We have been very involved in it, and quite frankly, very concerned for the fact that the governor failed to seat the county representative on the Forest Practices Board.” The official added that Commissioner Brummer was a candidate for the county position and that the seat contest had been close.
Commissioners said the proposed buffer expansions could affect timber harvest practices in Western Washington and raised questions about how buffer rules intersect with water supplies and the county’s interest in sustainable timber management. A commissioner said that some of the streams under consideration do not flow in the summer and therefore “they're not contributing hot water in those cases,” a point raised in discussion about technical applicability of expanded buffers.
County officials said they are coordinating with state legislators in the 19th and 20th legislative districts and will press the Department of Natural Resources and the Forest Practices Board through public comment and legislative channels, but noted that the rulemaking authority lies with DNR and the board.
Ending: Commissioners characterized the matter as a major, ongoing policy concern and said they will continue behind‑the‑scenes work with partners and legislators to influence the rulemaking outcome.