Pew Supports Science-Based Update of Northwest Forest Plan

WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts today expressed support for the U.S. Forest Service’s announcement that it is pursuing a targeted update—known as an “amendment” —to the Northwest Forest Plan (NFP).

The plan—which since its establishment in 1994 has guided how roughly 20 million acres of national forests in Washington state, Oregon, and California are managed—has slowed the decline of several endangered species, protected large swaths of old-growth forests, and improved watershed conditions. 

However, changing temperature and precipitation patterns throughout the Pacific Northwest are creating new climate-driven threats to forest health while also magnifying impacts from insects, disease, and historically large and severe wildfires. These pressures, along with increased scientific understanding and information gleaned from the NFP’s monitoring protocols, highlight the need for targeted updates to the plan to maintain healthy, resilient forests.

Marcia Argust, a director with Pew’s U.S. conservation project, issued this statement: 

“The maintenance of healthy forests is critical for a strong and vibrant Pacific Northwest, providing benefits that include clean water and clean air, natural carbon storage, and support for outdoor recreation-based economies.

“The Northwest Forest Plan has been a success story for forests and wildlife in the region, but new challenges need new solutions. Updating how landscapes are managed to meet these current and anticipated challenges—including climate-driven threats and biodiversity loss—is critical for sustaining healthy, resilient forests.

“We commend the Forest Service for undertaking a focused and science-based process to ensure that the plan supports the sustainability of these landscapes in light of changing conditions. Amending the plan provides an opportunity to address new patterns in wildfire behavior; incorporate Indigenous knowledge; preserve the economic stability of communities; and institute strategies to adapt to or mitigate climate change, such as updated approaches to conserve older forests.   

“Pew supports the Forest Service’s pursuit of an update to the Northwest Forest Plan, which gives the Forest Service and the American public a clear pathway to securing more resilient national forests in the Pacific Northwest. The update should reflect the best available climate change data, including anticipated threats and risks.

“We look forward to partnering with the agency, Tribes, and stakeholders in this effort.”

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.