King County sets Ring Hill Forest timber harvest

A disease spreading through trees in Ring Hill Forest is prompting King County to move ahead with a selective timber harvest – the first one since the county acquired the working forest 10 years ago to preserve the land from development.

A forest management plan that was developed with public input calls for four timber harvests over the next five decades on the 320-acre property. However, a tree disease called dwarf mistletoe is spreading through stands of western hemlock and hastening King County's efforts to harvest the affected trees.

"The primary goal of the harvests is to improve the health of the forest ecosystem," said Bill Loeber, King County forester. "Western hemlock trees are the dominant species in the forest, and many of the hemlock trees are infected with dwarf mistletoe. These harvests will remove the hemlock and deciduous species, but leave standing the western red cedar and Douglas fir trees, which are not affected by the mistletoe."

Loeber said the harvested areas will be replanted with Douglas fir and western red cedar, resulting in a healthy, multi-aged forest that will provide better habitat for wildlife.

The first harvest is expected to begin the second week of August and last for about two months. Proceeds from the harvest will be used to pay for future forest management activities, such as tree planting and invasive weed control.

Located on the west wall of the Snoqualmie Valley near Duvall, Ring Hill Forest was acquired by King County in 1997 to preserve it as open space.

The timber was purchased by Fritch Mill in Snohomish for $151,002 plus a 10 percent refundable performance deposit to ensure that the harvest is completed satisfactorily.

Fritch Mill is a small, family operated mill that specializes in custom sawing and large diameter timbers. Fritch is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to process timber that comes from forests that have been certified and managed by FSC.

Loeber said this harvest is an example of the type of sustainable forestry that King County is practicing on roughly 3,500 acres of forestland purchased to prevent development.

"These sustainably managed working forests are an important part of King County's rural landscape," Loeber said. "They provide clean water and air, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. They also supply a local source of wood products and jobs that contribute to a healthy economy."

Community interest in the Ring Hill Forest has increased since King County acquired the property. Several neighboring landowners are working with King County Parks staff to build trails in a portion of the property.

Details about Ring Hill Forest and the management plan are available at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/wlr/lands/natural/ring-hill.htm, or by contacting Benj Wadsworth at 206-296-7805, or benj.wadsworth@kingcounty.gov.