Western Washington forest is certified ‘green’

OLYMPIA – The state Department of Natural Resources has received “green certification” for 145,000 acres of forest in Western Washington.

The certification, from a group called the Forest Stewardship Council, covers state trust lands from the Kitsap Peninsula to the foothills of the Cascade Range east of Seattle and Tacoma.

Officials say it’s a seal of approval that shows the state lands are managed to protect wildlife and the environment. Major retailers such as Lowe’s and Home Depot prefer green certified wood, and environmentally friendly building practices are growing in popularity.

The DNR manages about 3 million acres of state-owned trust forest, agricultural and range lands and commercial properties.