Logging Threatens Elwha River’s Future

Three environmental groups are suing Washington’s Department of Natural Resources to halt logging of nearly 400 acres in the Elwha Watershed, arguing the state ignored critical environmental impacts—including threats to Port Angeles’ drinking water and climate-critical old-growth forests. Despite the Elwha River being the site of a major dam removal project, logging continues on adjacent lands, with mature trees from the 1880s—far from the 1850 cutoff for “old growth”—being targeted. The timber sales, approved last November and expected to generate over $2 million, face legal challenges over overlooked rare plants, herbicide use, and water flow disruption. With harvesting delayed until October, uncertainty looms for the logging company and tribal communities already struggling to access traditional plants amid forest loss. Support the show:Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/ec65da819a47ce28