It’s easy to see that Vashon values its forests. Take the most recent example: In November, islanders found out about a proposed logging project on the south end that involved a clear cut, and it felt for a few weeks as though the entire island had worked itself into a frenzy. Fast-forward to April and, after review by the proper authorities, responsible logging began with no clear cutting.
Similar examples have played out time and time again when King County proposes thinning in Island Center and Dockton forests. Islanders like the trees in the ground. But there is a time and place for responsible logging practices that can thin forests to help trees grow without competing for space. It is this process of logging that the island organization Vashon Forest Stewards (VFS) practices. Formed more than a decade ago, VFS is a community forestry business that takes local trees, turns them into usable lumber and then sells that lumber to local buyers — Vashon Island High School features large amounts of wood from the organization. How perfectly local and “Vashon” is that?
But the organization is in a difficult situation as it has become a casualty of an agreement between King County and the Friends of Mukai over the Mukai barreling plant. In the County’s attempt to preserve the historic structure which, just to be clear, is a great cause, VFS has lost the low-cost land it has been occupying for 12 years and will now pay rent to islander Frank Zellerhoff, who has owned the barreling plant, but will now own the 5 acres of land VFS has occupied.
The barreling plant occupies 2 acres and has provided Zellerhoff with his needed space. The land Zellerhoff will now own now is 5 acres, more than double that of the plant. VFS occupies only 2.5 acres of the 5. An alternative scenario would have been for Zellerhoff to own half the land and have VFS continue to occupy their half that is equipped with the necessary infrastructure.
But that’s not what happened. Realizing King County was eager and desperate to preserve the plant, Zellerhoff was able to negotiate and have all 5 acres for himself. He is now charging VFS $1,200 in rent per month. While the county is helping and offering to pay up to $733 of that rent amount, VFS Director Dave Warren said of the decision: “Yes, it really hurts.”
Vashon Forest Stewards is exactly the kind of business that is needed in the county. Responsibly sourced wood with a low carbon footprint because it is not shipped overseas is something many can use and is a small step toward decreasing reliance on overseas products.
Small organizations like VFS are doing the important work with little financial reward. We need to support them.
Islanders with information about potential land for VFS should contact Warren at 206-295-6670.
