SnoCo Healthy Forests Project Launched Monday

EDMONDS, WA - From Snohomish County: Today, Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers and the Snohomish County Council announced a new partnership with non-profit Forterra to launch the Snohomish County Healthy Forest Project which will focus on restoring the health of county-owned forested land through a community stewardship model.

“Healthy people, orca and salmon create communities with a good quality of life and economic vitality,” said Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive. “The Healthy Forests Project presents a tremendous opportunity to help move the needle on Puget Sound health. Fostering community engagement will be the key to long-term success for our stewardship of the county’s natural resources.”

Forests play a critical role in Puget Sound vitality, providing a wide variety of ecological, environmental, and community benefits, such as reducing stormwater runoff, improving air and water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, providing opportunities for recreation, fishing, and tourism, and helping to combat climate change.

Forterra has led the conservation and restoration of our region’s natural areas since 1989, including Green City Partnerships with a dozen cities to restore the health of urban forests in municipal parks. Forterra will work with the county to develop a restoration plan and community-based stewardship program that will recruit and train local forest stewards to host work parties for invasive species removal, native tree planting, and more.

"We’re excited to build on our longtime work in Snohomish County with this new initiative, commented Michelle Connor, Forterra’s President and CEO. “Healthy forests have a keystone role in a sustainable future —doubly so, given the climate crisis. This exciting new collaboration will give people a meaningful hands-on way to help.”

“This is a great first step towards reaching our long-term goal of a network of healthy forest land throughout the county,” said Councilmember Stephanie Wright.

“We are excited to be the first county to partner with Forterra to implement this program,” says Snohomish County Council Chair Terry Ryan.]

While planning is still ongoing, the county has identified 2,500 acres of existing county-owned conservation lands with high potential for successful community stewardship.

"If we want to preserve our strong economy and quality of life, we must take care of our natural resources," said Council Vice Chair Nate Nehring. "Healthy forests across the region benefit tourism, the timber industry, and our residents."

“Just think of what we can accomplish if we work together to restore the health of forested open space across the county,” says Councilmember Brian Sullivan.

“We invite our local cities, tribes, businesses, partner organizations, and citizens to join us in this effort to keep our environment and economy healthy,” says Councilmember Sam Low.

The County has a goal to plant one million healthy, native trees by 2040 through the care of more than 100 dedicated forest stewards, local stakeholders, and partners.

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