9-6-2018
BOW, Wash. — With the purchase of forest land in Skagit County, the Washington Department of Natural Resources prevents logging in areas of popular views and hikes.
The DNR announced they purchased seventy-six acres of forest next to the Blanchard State Forest south of Whatcom County, which will allow for preservation of the Samish Overlook, Oyster Dome and backcountry camping areas at Lily and Lizard lakes.
Their new parcel of forest will replace the timber revenue Skagit County once received from logging of the popular recreation areas in the Chuckanut Mountains.
In all, 1600 acres of Blanchard Forest is being put into conservation status, which permanently prevents logging in the area while maintaining public access.