Black River Conservation Easement

A model where climate action, habitat protection, and economic vitality grow side by side.

Working forests can store carbon, provide wildlife habitat, protect water, produce renewable wood, and support rural economies. The Black River Conservation Easement brings those benefits together on one landscape, permanently protecting the forest from development while keeping it productive.

Forests for Climate & Community

In 2022, Port Blakely acquired approximately 1,925 acres of forestland southwest of Olympia, Washington, connecting it with forestland the company already owned in the area. The Black River conservation area has since grown to more than 2,450 acres, with the goal of permanently protecting the land from development while keeping it a productive working forest.

The project received $7.7 million appropriated by the Washington State Legislature and administered through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, using revenue generated through Washington’s Climate Commitment Act. The conservation easement will extend harvest rotations from 40 to 60 years, allowing trees to grow longer and store more carbon while supporting wildlife habitat, water quality and continued production of renewable wood.

Black River is also intended to demonstrate an approach that could be used on other working forests facing development pressure, providing a model for keeping forests in forestry while advancing climate, conservation and economic goals.

Our Partners

We’re proud to work alongside policymakers, Tribal nations, community leaders, and conservation organizations, including Conservation Northwest and Capitol Land Trust, to bring our shared vision to life. If you’d like to learn more, please contact us at info-USF@portblakely.com.