FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2011 Conversion of Washington’s forestland is subject of online conversation
Public dialog part of Departments third online ‘DNR Forum’
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds its third ‘DNR Forum,’ an online public conversation, next week; the topic will be: ‘Conversion of Working Forests to Other Uses.”
The public is invited to engage with DNR in a conversation about the long-term impacts on our state and its quality of life when forestland is converted into home sites or other uses. Since 1980, more than 17 percent of forestland in Washington State has been converted to other uses.
DNR Forums are opportunities for people to offer ideas, opinions and information to DNR about specific topics concerning natural resources, recreation, state trust lands and aquatic lands, and other topics.
DNR is conducting the forum to better understand the public’s viewpoints and gain insights that may help the agency’s decision making over the long term about managing state trust lands and natural areas adjacent to forests that have been or are likely to be converted into residential or other types of uses.
‘Conversation starters’
Each day that the forum is active, a ‘conversation starter’ will be posted. Ideas from a broad range of contributors are encouraged, and the forum will be moderated for appropriate language and topic relevancy. Generally, the DNR Forum spotlights an issue for one week, and posts moderated public comments during regular business hours Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. DNR also provides information to help inform the discussion, and offers web-links to relevant sites that might be of interest to participants.
Media Contact: Jane Chavey, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1721, jane.chavey@dnr.wa.gov
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Visit the DNR Forum