Another step closer to Teanaway Community Forest

The Washington State Board of Natural Resources gave its unanimous approval to the acquisition of 50,000 acres of forested watershed in the Teanaway River Basin in Kittitas County to create the Teanaway Community Forest. This will be the first Community Forest for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.

“Today’s vote is great news for all who have worked so hard for years to protect and restore this cherished landscape for future generations to enjoy,” said Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands. “The Community Forest Trust program will prove to be a remarkable tool to protect Washington’s working forests from conversion, and support the communities that treasure the values they provide.”

The acquisition of the Teanaway property, located in the Mountains to Sound Greenway just north of Cle Elum, was approved by the 2013 Legislature and is a key element in the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. The purchase will preserve habitat wildlife and safeguard public access for recreation on a cherished local landscape.