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May 9th Port Angeles, WA — Blockade Against Mature Forest Logging Enters Third Day, Community Rallies in Support!

The sitter has been facing harassment 24/7 by law enforcement, and the recreation area has been closed. But despite this, late yesterday afternoon, dozens risked arrest and marched past the police closure blocking access to the tree sit, and rallied in support of the forest defender camped in the canopy.

The sitter is urging people to contact Dave Upthegrove to call off his law enforcement and reopen the recreation area.

Follow along on instagram: sacred.action.northwest

Read the articles in the Seattle Times, Peninsula Daily News, and The Stranger

May 7th Port Angeles, WA —Forest defenders have launched a blockade to halt the clearcut logging of one of the last low-elevation mature forests in the Elwha Watershed.

This century-old forest, located on the Olympic Peninsula, is part of the ancestral lands of the S'Klallam people, and it's sale has been the subject of increasing public outcry.

The forest was auctioned last year by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and purchased by the Murphy Company, an Oregon-based timber firm. The timber sale, known as "Parched", is currently under litigation by the Earth Law Centerand Legacy Forest Defense Coalition, and a petition—started by members of the Lower Elwha Kallam Tribe urging that the watershed be protected—has been signed by over half of tribal member, as well as being widely supported by local citizens.

Having never been logged by machinery, this 100-year-old forest is home to Douglas fir, grand fir and western red cedar, and is developing old-growth characteristics essential to endangered species like the northern spotted owl and marbled murrelet. An imperiled flower, whipplea modesta, also makes its home here.

To prevent logging of this critical habitat, forest defenders placed large debris in the middle of the road. This debris is attached to a climber who is suspended above on a “dunk-tank” platform in a large tree. If authorities attempt to remove the road debris, the platform will drop, risking a 100-foot fall for the climber.

Protesters argue that the DNR's logging practices not only undermine the state's own investments, but also violate public trust, prioritizing short-term profits over long-term values. "We shouldn't have to choose between losing essential services and logging these mature forests," said one of the members of the group. "These forests are also essential, and irreplaceable in the face of the climate crisis—storing carbon, protecting biodiversity, and buffering our communities from wildfires and floods."

A licensed independent engineering geologist, Glen G. Wade, reviewed the landscape during the SEPA review noting that logging would increase runoff in an area already threatened by deep-seated landslides "posing direct risks to nearby residences, Little River Road, and the Little River itself." Additional concerns have been raised about impact of logging on fragile salmon runs. "Parched" and other DNR sales are very near the site of the recently removed dam, where state and federal governments invested more than $338 million in river and salmon restoration.

Since 2022, Port Angeles City Council has raised serious concerns about logging the Elwha River watershed, as it is the sole source of drinking water for Port Angeles. The city claims their efforts for collaboration and dialogue with the DNR have been resisted or outright denied.

The forest defenders, on the other hand, refuse to be denied.

"I'm not going anywhere" says the tree-sitter. "Our new lands commissioner, Dave Upthegrove, promised to protect mature forests; we are here helping him keep his promise."

Demands of the Blockade:

Immediate cancellation of the "Parched" Timber Sale

A pause on all logging in the Elwha watershed

A permanent ban on logging the remaining mature forests in western Washington.

Community Solidarity:

The blockade has received support from tribal members, conservation groups, and local outdoor enthusiasts. Financial support for the action can be directed to this gofundme page, and a rally is planned for 4 PM on Thursday, May 8 at the gate of the logging road on Walkabout Way in Port Angeles.

Funds collected via GoFundMe will be used to offset expenses for material supplies, gas, website maintenance, digital and legal fees, and a bail fund as needed.