Vancouver, WA – Clark County’s timber harvest activities garnered high marks for environmental protection and sustainability during a recent audit by a Washington-based non-profit dedicated to healthy forests. The audit documented sustainable forestry practices under a program administered by the county’s Environmental Services department. Forest stewardship plans for Camp Bonneville and Green Mountain target selective harvest, small patch cuts, habitat creation and understory planting to support diverse plants and animals. Thinning operations also produce revenue to reinvest in the county properties. County plans and practices are in keeping with standards required for certification by the Forest Stewardship Council. Northwest Natural Resource Group offers Northwest Certified Forestry audits to assist public and private landowners in the certification process. “Clark County continues to meet or exceed the high standards of the FSC and, in so doing, provides an instructive example of both long-term economically viable and environmentally sustainable forest management practices,” the audit concluded. Kirk Hanson, Northwest Certified Forestry director, conducted site visits in May. “I observed exemplary timber harvest practices that minimized both soil disturbance and impacts to residual timber,” he said. Environmental Services Director Don Benton said the audit underscores the success of the sustainable forestry program and staff’s environmental dedication. “Our program demonstrates that forest management can provide a range of benefits, from wildlife habitat to timber production,” said Benton. More information and a video describing the program is available on the county’s website, www.clark.wa.gov/environment.