American Forest Resource Council

09/09/2026

In Forks, timber revenue from Washington’s state trust lands helped build a stadium and athletic field that students and the entire community can be proud of.

Diana Reaume, Superintendent of the Quillayute Valley School District, explains how working forests generate critical funding for local schools and other essential services while supporting the community’s future.

Learn more at dnrtrustlands.org

09/07/2026

Today we recognize the loggers, truck drivers, mill workers, foresters and countless others whose hard work keeps America’s timber industry moving. Their work provides the wood products we use every day and supports family wage jobs and rural communities across the West.

Thank you to the hardworking men and women who make it possible.

09/05/2026

New episode! Ben Burr and the BlueRibbon Coalition are fighting to ensure our national forests and other public lands remain accessible to all Americans.

In Episode 60, Ben joins us to discuss the proposed rescission of the Roadless Rule, why access matters for recreation, forest management and firefighting, and why Americans should make their voices heard before the September 21 comment deadline. We also talk about litigation that delays forest management and other policies affecting how people can use and enjoy their public lands.

Listen here, or catch The AFRC Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/JxUdpchea6b

09/02/2026

Is a 25-year-old national policy still serving our forests as wildfire, insects and disease change conditions across the West?

Washington Policy Center’s Todd Myers takes a thoughtful look at the 2001 Roadless Rule, wildfire risk and why giving federal foresters more flexibility to manage unhealthy forests makes sense.

It’s well worth a read: https://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/detail/the-forest-is-burning-the-roadless-rule-is-making-it-worse

09/02/2026

Timber revenue from Washington’s state trust lands helps rural schools provide students with the safe, quality learning environment they deserve. For rural schools like Crescent, it makes a real difference.

David Bingham, now retired superintendent of the Crescent School District, explains how this funding has helped the district protect teaching jobs, preserve programs, and modernize school facilities.

Learn more: https://dnrtrustlands.org/

09/01/2026

In Clallam County, timber revenue from Washington state trust lands helps fund schools, fire districts, hospitals, libraries, the Port of Port Angeles and other community priorities.

Port Commissioner Connie Beauvais explains why timber and working forests remain so important to the people and communities of Clallam County.

Learn more: https://dnrtrustlands.org/

08/27/2026

Is a 25-year-old national policy still serving our forests and communities in an era of megafires?

In a new Seattle Times opinion, AFRC's Nick Smith makes the case for rescinding the Roadless Rule and giving Forest Service professionals greater flexibility to reduce wildfire risks, actively manage unhealthy forests and provide critical access for firefighters.

Forest policy should give land managers more ability to access and address unhealthy conditions before wildfire breaks out.

08/26/2026

A great read. Check out this new Substack from our member Hampton Lumber!

Wildfire dominates the headlines, but the decisions made afterward may have the greatest impact on forests, communities, and the next generation of trees.

08/26/2026

For communities surrounded by federal forests, a reliable timber supply means keeping loggers working, mills operating and families in the communities they call home.

KPTV-TV recently visited the Big Huck timber sale, where AFRC member WKO/High Cascade Forest is thinning overcrowded forests and producing timber that supports local jobs and the regional wood products industry.

A year after the Trump administration announced plans to increase logging on federal land, crews in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest are back at work — and a timber-dependent community is watching closely.

08/25/2026

The 2017 Rice Ridge Fire burned more than 155,000 acres and came dangerously close to Seeley Lake, Montana. The Forest Service now has a plan to reduce wildfire risk around the community before the next large fire arrives.

In the Seeley Swan Pathfinder, AFRC President Tom Partin explains why the North Seeley Project should move forward to reduce hazardous fuels and protect homes, infrastructure, timber and wildlife habitat.

Read Tom’s full opinion: https://www.seeleylake.com/story/2026/08/20/opinion/protect-seeley-lake-before-the-next-fire/12076.html