The Status of Washington State’s Forest Practice Habitat Conservation Plan: Its Origin, Objectives and Possible Value for Different Landowners

Abstract

Partial Abstract:

The purpose of Washington State Forest Practice Rules is to regulate certain forest operations – especially harvesting and road construction – on private lands to protect public resources. These public resources include water, wildlife, cultural resources and soil productivity. The purpose of the Federal Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) is to protect plant and animal species threatened with extinction and to protect the nation’s waters from pollution. The Forest Practices Division within the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the regulating agency for the Forest Practice Act. The proposed Forest Practices Habitat Conservation Plan (FPHCP) will acquire federal assurances that forest practices operating in compliance with state rules will meet federal requirements under the ESA and also meet requirements under the Clean Water Act.