The non-profit organization Vashon Forest Stewards (VFS) has been milling and processing finished lumber at our mill yard across from Sawbones since 2004. In those 13 years, we’ve carried out ecological forestry projects in Agren Park, Paradise Ridge Park, Island Center Forest, the Vashon Island School District forest and in dozens of private island forests. Some of the resulting logs make their way to our yard and get processed into “appearance-grade” lumber such as flooring, trim, post and beam and live-edge hardwood slabs. For example, much of the interior wood in the new high school building was milled by VFS from timber harvested from the school district forest. We employ island residents, and sometimes Vashon students have an opportunity to help out and gain skills in the trade.

Recently, King County, working with Friends of Mukai, arranged to save the Mukai Barreling Plant via a land swap. Vashon Forest Stewards applauds this effort; however, in the process of making this happen, we are being forced to move from the current site of our mill yard. Members of King County, recognizing the importance of having VFS on the island, have been working diligently to assist in finding us a place to relocate. The sale of VFS’ current land, and thus the necessity to move, will happen over the next three months. We have several potential sites but nothing is assured at this time.

Meanwhile, we are still busy milling, kiln drying and processing wood while we prepare for an overwhelming move. We have recently kiln dried several loads of beautiful live-edge madrone slabs — some as large as 4-feet wide. We will have a big wood sale on Jan. 28 to help us lighten our load.

Thanks to many of you for your years of support — for the chance to do right with livelihood and do right by the forests and their wood.

— David Warren