Kitsap Environmental Coalition

06/09/2026

Check out this upcoming open house hosted by Kitsap County Community Development! It is important that Kitsap residents show up and speak out for preserving natural habitats.

05/31/2026

KEC signs onto letter to Gov. Ferguson, urging protection of remaining legacy forests from logging. May 30, 2026

The letter, authored by Indivisible Tacoma, emphasizes public support, conflicts of interest, and policy failures.

Main Concerns
Legacy forests (over 140 years old) are being clearcut, threatening ecological and climate resilience.
Public support for forest protection is widespread, including petitions, rallies, and conservation efforts.
The Board of Natural Resources (BNR) is biased toward logging, with members benefiting financially or professionally from timber sales.
DNR staff are incentivized to log because their salaries depend on timber revenue, creating systemic conflicts.
The governor’s appointee consistently votes to sell forests, disregarding scientific and public input.
Existing policies, like the Sustainable Harvest FEIS, are not followed; no comprehensive Forest Management Plans exist.
Current harvest targets can be met without logging legacy forests, yet they are still sold.
Protecting 77,000 acres of complex forests, including 20,800 acres planned for logging, is crucial.
Logging undermines climate goals, increases disaster costs, and fails to meet conservation targets for old growth.
The letter calls for diversifying BNR membership, revising DNR’s mission, and creating alternative funding for counties and schools.

Recommended Actions
Urge DNR to adhere to its policies and develop proper Forest Land Plans.
Ensure the conservation of high-value forests and revise maps to prioritize protection.
Appoint diverse, non-industry representatives to BNR.
Work with legislature to fund public needs without relying on logging revenue.
Protect remaining legacy forests immediately to prevent irreversible loss.

Read full letter: https://www.kitsapenvironmentalcoalition.org/kec-signs-letter-to-protect-legacy-forests

05/27/2026

Join the Grand Opening of the North Entrance to PGFHP on Thursday, May 28, 3-6pm.

https://www.kitsapenvironmentalcoalition.org/pgfhp-celebration-may-28

Kitsap County Parks is hosting a celebration for the new North Gateway Trailhead at Port Gamble Forest Heritage Park. The event will feature remarks, guided walks, and family activities at 3800 NE Carver Drive. Directions: turn left/south off 104, west of Port Gamble town, follow drive to parking lot at the top of the hill.

The afternoon schedule of activities includes:
3:00 PM: Welcome and opening remarks.
3:30 PM: Birding adventure with the Kitsap Audubon Society.
>> 4:00 PM: Guided forest walk focusing on restoration.

05/26/2026

Kitsap has several areas that qualify as Legacy Forests.

Environmentalists raised money to protect 2 acres of legacy forest in what appears to be a first-of--its-kind deal.

04/20/2026

Mark your calendar! 🐛📚🤓

Join us on May 13 to learn more about a new nature and environment book club!

Great Peninsula Conservancy Kitsap Environmental Coalition

04/18/2026

Celebrate Earth Day year-round with the Kitsap Environmental Coalition!
Learn how you can get involved in preserving the natural beauty of Kitsap County.
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04/14/2026

04/08/2026

03/30/2026

You are invited to join us on April 19, 3pm at the Kingston Village Green for KEC Presents: Dark Skies - Why it matters.
Dark Sky Advocates explain why dark skies are important to the health of humans, wildlife, and the climate. A panel of community members will join the Advocates to talk about how you can participate in research to support bird migration and track light pollution.