Sierra Pacific Industries Southwest Washington Forestland Closed to Public Access Due to Fire Danger

For Immediate Release Contact: Lisa Perry

Date: August 17, 2022 Phone: 360-623-9545 Email: lperry@spi-ind.com

Centralia, WA – Due to dry, warm weather that has resulted in elevated fire danger, Sierra Pacific Industries (SPI) has closed its southwest Washington forestlands to public access. This closure applies to all lands in Clark, Cowlitz, Lewis, and Thurston counties including the West Fork Tree Farm. This closure is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

“SPI takes pride in allowing non-motorized public access for hunting and other recreational values but must take this action to protect resources and enhance public safety,” said Lisa Perry, SPI’s Washington Community Relations Manager.

This public access closure follows other recent seasonal closures of SPI lands in California and Oregon due to extreme wildfire risk. Fire conditions in the West have changed dramatically in recent years. While fire prevention is the first line of defense against large catastrophic wildfires, it is also essential that aggressive wildfire suppression remains the top priority.

The public’s use of SPI roads and walk-in access to the company’s privately-owned lands will be prohibited. Public roads that cross Sierra Pacific lands are not affected by this closure. SPI has committed to regularly evaluate the situation and keep interested parties updated on any changes. We anticipate this Washington closure will remain in effect until moisture levels and long-range weather forecasts improve.

Current information for our Southwest Washington forestlands is available on our Recreation Hotline, (360) 623-1299. To learn more about the company’s recreation access policies and current closure restrictions, visit http://spi-ind.com/OurForests/RecreationAccess.

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Sierra Pacific Industries is a third-generation, family-owned forest products company. The firm owns and sustainably manages about 2.4 million acres of timberland in California, Oregon and Washington. The company also produces millwork, windows, and renewable energy. In Washington, Sierra Pacific Industries owns over 310,000 acres of forestlands, as well as operates four sawmills and two biomass energy facilities.