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UPDATE:
On January 25, 2008, Dale Hom, Forest Supervisor with the Olympic National Forest, released his Decision and Reasons for the Decision on the Jackson Thin project:
"Based upon my review of all alternatives, I have decided to select Alternative B as described and
analyzed in the Jackson Thinning Environmental Assessment (EA) and as modified in this
Decision Notice. This alternative does not include thinning on Mt. Walker."
I would like to thank all the local citizens and organizations who contributed so much of their time and efforts to 'rescue' our beautiful Mount Walker from being thinned. Without such grassroots support, it would be difficult to protect all the "Olympic jewels".
Connie Gallant
Mt. Walker
Sitting on the western side of the Hood Canal,
Mount Walker dresses up the shoreline and nearby towns
with its green and velvety cloak of douglas fir, cedar,
hemlock trees, and rhododendrons. With a modest elevation
of 2,804 feet, it welcomes all visitors to enjoy the
beautiful sights of the Olympic Mountains to the west,
Seattle to the east, the small and quaint village of
Quilcene at its feet to the north, and Mount Buck to
its south.
Driving along the Hood Canal is an awesome experience, even for the locals. Reaching the Mount Walker area brings a sense of tranquility combined with a yearning to go hiking. Known for its windy road to the summit, Mount Walker offers an opportunity to view the fauna and flora upfront and center. Having to stop for deer and other critters is part of the enjoyment.
Thinning of Mt. Walker
The US Forest Service has announced the proposal of a timber thinning project on Mt. Walker. On June 17, 2005 a large group of concerned citizens (see Gallery photos) took a tour of the proposed logging areas with representatives from the USFS. The project would encompass an area of approximately 3,200 acres. The project's initial scoping letter lists habitat improvement and fire hazard in the Brinnon area as goals.
Citing habitat benefits to the spotted owl, Kathy O'Halloran, natural resources staff officer for the Olympic National Forest, stated that the spotted owl numbers have been declining as barred owls displace them. Barred owls apparently flourish in second growth areas.
Opposition to the Project
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