Morton's bill to protect forestland owners now law

July 30, 2009

Olympia…Sen. Bob Morton’s bill to protect a forestland owner’s right to harvest timber is now law - effective July 26. 

As forestlands are converted to residential, suburban or urban use it becomes more difficult for forestland owners to continue with their commercial forest operations. 

Under Senate Bill 5562, if the growing of trees predates surrounding nonforestry activities, even if the timber has been managed passively, forest practices from planting to harvesting would be protected from nuisance lawsuits. 

According to Morton, R-Kettle Falls, this bill recognizes that growing trees is a long-term investment. 

“Logging might not take place for many years and forestland owners need to be able to harvest and replant regardless of surrounding new development.” 

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Additional contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov