Upthegrove issues statement on 300-acre forest preservation announced Monday

December 18, 2023

King County Council Chair Upthegrove issued the following statement Monday after the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that nearly 300 acres of forest land on Tiger Mountain will be conserved as part of the first 2,000 acres to be preserved using funding from the state’s Natural Climate Solutions program:

“Because of this action today, future generations of King County residents will be able to access recreational opportunities, breathe clean air, and find solace in the natural beauty that makes King County an exceptional place to live. There is a huge demand from counties for funding from Natural Climate Solutions program. The legislature needs to continue to make this program a priority in the fight against climate change in our state.”

The Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) program, born out of the Climate Commitment Act, is intended to conserve working forestlands at risk of conversion and increase their carbon pollution reduction capacity through sequestration, storage, and overall system integrity. It provides an opportunity to protect forests across Washington State for climate and biodiversity benefits.