Intertwined, Reception at WSHM

Intertwined, Requiem for the Trees has opened to the public at the Washington State History Museum.  A reception will be held during this Thursday's Tacoma Art Walk, March 15, from 5 to 7 PM.  Come meet the artists, hear about our inspiration.  Special guest, Don Hoch, Washington State Parks Director will also be on hand to answer questions about the current status and plans for Kopachuck Park.

Kopachuck logging operation.... Reality bites!

photo by John Filson

Click here for the Gateway article about stage I of the Kopachuck Park management implementation.  As difficult as it is to accept, the logging performed so far at Kopachuck State Park has been "according to contract".  It is in line with the expectations of the Park planners and Commissioners, if not with some local citizens.  There have been huge efforts made to communicate from both sides of this management challenge.  Truth is, there is no way to make clear cut logging pretty.  The decision to cut was made with much deliberation and discussion and now a little faith is required.  Faith that nature will prevail in the long run.  The forest will never be the same, but it will grow again, a spring green and healthy new woodland.  I just hope you took the opportunity to appreciate the big trees while you could.  Now I hope you'll appreciate the green spirits of a vibrant understory as it does what nature does best, grow.  Adaptation is the name of the game, change is the only guarantee.

Kerf-luffle

photo by John Filson

Kopachuck logging is now shockingly real.  Some are questioning if the current status is according to plan, or a foul up of some sort.  I don't know.  What I do know is that there is not much pretty about an active logging operation... ask drivers out on the Key Peninsula Highway.  The word "kerf" means the cut end of a felled tree and this is a real kerf-luffle.

More uplifting news is that the Washington State History Museum showing of "Intertwined, requiem for the trees" is on schedule and there will be an opening reception at the museum during the third Thursday art walk on March 15th from 5 to 7 PM.   I am hopeful that many of the exhibit artists will attend and share their inspiration with other visitors to the museum.  Please save the date.

What's happening in the park now?

Click here for a current overview of the Kopachuck Park Tree removal project by Charlee Glock Jackson

Coming soon at the WA State History Museum

Intertwined:
Requiem for the Trees

March 10 through May 6, 2012

Detail from The Sentinel by artist Margo Macdonald.

Interlude to the snow

Click here for a lovely tribute to the importance of trees, enjoy

Kopachuck Forest Update

Orange block is Phase I area, yellow outlines the Phase II areas, park boundaries are in white.

Kopachuck Forest Health Update,  December 28, 2011

Parks staff has spent considerable time evaluating the extent of tree disease and developing a strategy for addressing the risk of tree failure.  The issue is complex and the agency desires to make informed decisions so extensive field sampling has been performed to pinpoint areas for treatment.  Trees are to be cut and sold in two phases:
Phase I;  remove all Douglas-fir within a tree length and a half of the ranger residence, office/shop complex, an area of approx. 6 acres.
Phase II;  remove all Doug-fir within one and one half tree lengths of developed landscapes (campgrounds, day use facilities, roadways and neighboring residences) that exhibit or are at risk of having laminated root rot.

WA Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) will be the agent for these two phases and has met with park staff to address specific aesthetic concerns including retention of understory vegetation.  Phase I is slated to begin by mid-January and be completed around mid-February.   Trees will be cut and skidded to a landing area west of the residence.  Phase II will begin as Phase I concludes.  Post harvest, facilities impacted by the harvest will be reclaimed and laminated root rot tolerant or resistant tree species will be planted in patches across the site.  Funds to support these activities will come from revenue generated from the harvest.  The entire park is expected to be open for public use by Memorial Day weekend.

This information provided by WA State Parks & Rec. it was summarized to shorten for this blog
Questions may be directed to;  Lisa Lantz, Acting Stewardship Program Manager, WA Parks & Recreation Commission  
(360) 725-9777