Trump executive order would expand logging in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Narrowing regulations on the Endangered Species Act would also allow for more timber sales
By The Economic Alliance of Lewis County
Photos provided by Cascade Forest Conservancy & U.S. Forest Service
U.S. Forest Service A tree in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
U.S. Forest Service A tree in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Cascade Forest Conservancy Site of the Yellowjacket forest sale in the Gifford National Forest
Cascade Forest Conservancy Site of the Yellowjacket forest sale in the Gifford National Forest.
President Trump wants more logging in our national forests — including the Gifford Pinchot National Forest — and wants to gut the Endangered Species Act, all to give a boost to America’s forest industry.
Whether you support Trump or find him a fiend, if it goes to plan we’ll be seeing more logging trucks rolling down Lewis County roads and a possible resurgence of the lumber industry in the Northwest.
On a state level, Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove, elected on Nov. 5, has put a pause on logging older-growth trees on some state lands, but some forest tracts are still going out to bid, including one of the last old forests in Southwest Washington’s Pacific County.
Just past East Lewis County, just south of Lebam, “century-old Douglas firs stand 200 feet high, overshadowing western hemlocks and an understory of vine maple, huckleberry and sword fern,” according to the publication Columbia Insight. “The area was logged around 1928, before the advent of industrialized timber harvesting methods. Since then, it has regenerated into a healthy ecosystem with remnant 160-year-old trees.
“Very soon, 138 acres of this forest could be logged again,” this time by Portland-based Stimson Lumber, which won rights at a cost of $3 million dollars to harvest it in the “Freedom” timber sale offered by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources last year, according to Columbia Insight.
Another tract of DNR forest, about six miles south of Adna, is out for bid that is scheduled to close May 29. Called the Highlander sale, it covers 182 acres and has an assessed value of $2.9 million.
Trump’s executive order
On April 3 Trump signed an emergency executive order that would allow more logging of the Northwest’s national forests, including the Gifford Pinchot in East Lewis County, with a specific directive to increase logging volume by 25% in the coming years.
The Northwest area includes timber in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie, Gifford Pinchot, Okanogan-Wenatchee, Colville and Umatilla national forests.
The Gifford Pinchot National Forest holds extensive timberland acreage, listed at 1.3 million acres of forest, managed through competitive timer bid contracts, with the stated outcome of improved forest health.
The order asked for a waiver to remove National Environmental Policy Act regulations and “allow a reliable and consistent supply of timber.”
The Trump Administration also claims increased logging will put a damper on explosive wildfires in our national forests.
Endangered Species Act
Earlier this week Trump announced he would attempt to restrict the Endangered Species Act by redefining the term in the Act of “harm.”
According to a memo from the federal Department of the Interior, “The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of ‘harm’ in our Endangered Species Act regulations. The existing regulatory definition of ‘harm,’ which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term ‘take.’ We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.”
This attempt, if successful, would reduce the reach of the Endangered Species Act, which through the Spotted Owl, severely curtailed logging in the Pacific Northwest for the past four decades.
Trump is doing this all with the stated intent to increase economic growth by limiting regulations, and is seen as a direct reaction to the importing of lumber into America via Canada.
“What they’re proposing will just fundamentally upend how we’ve been protecting endangered species in this country,” said Noah Greenwald, co-director of endangered species at the Center for Biological Diversity, a conservation group.
“I think there would just be a lot more room for timber companies to log their habitat without concern. This potentially could be the nail in the coffin.”
The proposed rule change is now under a 30-day public comment period, with a final rule expected in months.
American Forest Resource Council
In response to Trump’s executive orders on national forests, the American Forest Resource Council, a regional trade association whose purpose is to advocate for sustained yield timber harvests on public timberlands throughout the West, voiced their support.
“The first order, titled ‘Immediate Expansion of U.S. Timber Production,’ underscores the importance of timber, lumber, paper, bioenergy, and other wood products to the nation’s economy and directs federal agencies to take decisive actions to increase timber supplies and reduce regulatory barriers.
“The second order, ‘Addressing the Threat to National Security From Imports of Timber, Lumber,’ classifies the wood products industry as essential to U.S. national security and economic stability. It tasks the Secretary of Commerce, in collaboration with other federal agencies, with investigating the national security implications of timber and lumber imports and recommending policies to fortify the domestic supply chain.”
The American Forest Resource Council called for immediate action.
AFRC President Travis Joseph praised the executive orders as “long-overdue steps toward responsible federal forest management and economic revitalization.”
“These are common sense directives Americans support and want from their federal government, which owns about 30% of our nation’s forests. Our federal forests have been mismanaged for decades. Americans have paid the price in almost every way. Lost jobs, lost manufacturing and infrastructure. Lost recreational opportunities like hunting and fishing, and access to our lands. Degraded wildlife populations, water, and air. Landscapes and communities devastated by wildfire. Our federal forests are facing an emergency. It’s time to start treating it like one by taking immediate action.”
Joseph said Trump’s orders provide clarity and leadership in contrast to the Biden Administration.
“America’s wood products should come from America,” he said. “Whether for economic, environmental, or national security reasons, better managing our federal forests benefits everyone. Who opposes American workers, stewarding and protecting American lands, to make American products and create opportunities — all while reducing wildfire risks to public health and safety? It’s a call to action to come together, get to work, and deliver better outcomes for Americans and our forests.”
Economic Alliance of Lewis County
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The Alliance can help through the Business Development Center
By By The Economic Alliance of Lewis County
The Economic Alliance of Lewis County supports our local entrepreneurs with online resources for starting and growing your business.
“In partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation, we can help local businesses with all sorts of guidance,” said Alliance Executive Director Richard DeBolt. “If you have any needs, this is a great go-to place for assistance, and there is a scholarship aspect if needed.”
The Business Development Center’s mission is to provide expertise and experience to all small business owners to see their businesses prosper and grow.
The Alliance’s goal is to contribute to the economic vitality of the community by increasing the number of jobs and improving the local quality of life. To accomplish our goal we work to retain our local businesses and aid them in expanding as well as recruit new businesses to the area.
To that end we have assisted over 80 firms to locate here, which provide over 2,300 jobs to our community. In addition, we have worked with over 250 local firms, helping them to expand or strengthen their operations. Finally, the Economic Alliance partners with 100’s of members in business, government, and community groups to solve transportation, utility, and regulatory problems.
OUR CORE VALUES
Integrity
Building our reputation by being accountable, creditable, respectful, and honest with our small business clients.
Excellence
To exceed our clients’ expectations by walking them through the business process by using our knowledge and expertise.
Service
The Business Development Center delivers consistent professional results by providing one on one service to all of our small business clientele.
Online business startup courses
Business Enterprise Startup Training or BEST is provided to new Lewis County entrepreneurs in partnership with the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation.
BEST consists of five online on demand courses that teach new entrepreneurs how to write a business plan, structure and license their business, start branding and marketing their business, protect their intellectual property and gain basic accounting knowledge for their business.
Located in the South Puget Sound Community College Lacey Campus, the Thurston Economic Development Council Center for Business & Innovation has been serving businesses for over two decades.
After filling out the scholarship application (found at https://center-for-business-innovation.teachable.com/) you will be contacted by the Thurston EDC’s Center for Business & Innovation Training and Resource coordinator who will provide access to the courses along with no cost access to business plan writing software. For any questions please email [email protected].
The Alliance can also offer assistance at its Lewis County location with a wide variety of programs and services. Call 360-748-0114.
Member Spotlight
Lewis County dominates the 20 fastest-growing housing markets
Bucoda comes in as number one, with 11 communities in the Lewis County area making the top 20
By The Economic Alliance of Lewis County
packwood home
This home in Packwood is selling for $550,000. Built in 1970, it has two bedrooms, two baths and is 2,280 square feet. High Valley amenities include community river access, golf, pools and water. Listed by Elise P. Jennings and Joseph Jennings with Four-U Realty Inc.
Bucoda home
An examination of Washington state home values reveals rapid growth is occurring in Lewis County as measured by appreciation.
The Lewis County area landed six communities within the top 10 — Bucoda, Vader, Packwood, Winlock, Pe Ell and Ashford. Joining those in the top 20 are Ryderwood, Morton, Onalaska, Mossyrock and Raymond.
Jon Dykstra, founder of Home Stratosphere — a national real estate firm — analyzed the Zillow Home Value Index to identify Washington’s fastest-growing home values in towns from 2016 to 2025, as of April 2025.
The Value Index is a measure of the typical home value and market changes across a given region and housing type. It reflects the typical value for homes.
These 20 communities have experienced extraordinary appreciation ranging from 146% to 220%, significantly outpacing state and national averages.
What’s fascinating is the geographic pattern — most are rural, small-town markets that were previously overlooked. Buyers priced out of Seattle’s metro area found these affordable alternatives, creating investment opportunities that yielded six-figure equity gains in just nine years.
The data reveals a clear progression: initially slow growth through 2019, then explosive acceleration during the pandemic years (2020-2022), followed by a plateau in 2023-2024 before modest renewal in 2025. This suggests timing the market was critical for maximizing returns.
THE TOP 10
1. Bucoda
Bucoda claims Washington’s top spot with a staggering 220% appreciation rate, tripling property values and generating nearly $196,000 in equity from minimal initial investment. The market shows sustained momentum even post-2022, suggesting fundamental demand rather than pandemic-driven anomalies. This small community offers investors an exceptional combination of affordability, capital growth potential, and strong rental yields, making it an ideal diversification target for portfolios overly concentrated in higher-priced, lower-yielding urban assets.
2. Vader
Vader’s extraordinary 205% growth has generated over $240,000 in wealth for early investors who recognized its untapped potential. The market’s quick recovery from a minor 2023 dip demonstrates resilience and underlying strength in the demand fundamentals. This small community along the Cowlitz River offers exceptional value for capital deployment, with lower acquisition costs than most markets and strong appreciation potential as remote work continues reshaping residential preferences away from urban centers.
3. Hoquiam
Hoquiam’s remarkable 198% appreciation has turned modest $80,000 investments into $237,000 assets, representing extraordinary ROI on minimal capital deployment. The consistent value increases, even post-pandemic, reveal sustainable demand based on fundamental affordability. This coastal community offers exceptional value for income-focused investors, with low acquisition costs supporting rental yields often exceeding 8-10% — significantly outperforming most fixed-income alternatives in today’s financial landscape.
4. Packwood
Packwood’s extraordinary 193% growth has built over $303,000 in equity for property owners who recognized its investment potential. The consistent appreciation trajectory, even after 2022, indicates strong fundamental demand rather than speculative fever. This mountain community near Mount Rainier and White Pass Ski Area offers exceptional opportunities in the vacation rental market, with premium seasonal rates generating returns that significantly outperform traditional real estate investments and financial instruments.
5. Winlock
Winlock’s remarkable 192% appreciation has generated nearly $300,000 in wealth for early investors who recognized its potential. Unlike many markets that plateaued after 2022, Winlock continues showing robust growth, suggesting sustainable demand fundamentals. This small community along I-5 benefits from strategic location between Seattle and Portland, offering investors relative affordability combined with accessibility that supports both appreciation potential and consistent rental demand from commuters.
6. Pe Ell
Pe Ell’s extraordinary 188% growth rate has transformed modest $113,000 investments into $327,000 assets, delivering exceptional returns that far outpace traditional investment vehicles. The recovery and continued growth after a minor 2023 dip confirm strong underlying demand fundamentals. This small community in Lewis County offers compelling value for investors seeking affordable entry points, with potential for both capital appreciation and rental yields that significantly outperform more established markets.
7. Maple Falls
Maple Falls property values have appreciated by a staggering 180%, converting $128,000 investments into $358,000 assets within nine years. The brief 2023 dip created buying opportunities before growth resumed, demonstrating the market’s resilience. This mountain community near Mount Baker offers exceptional investment potential in both long-term appreciation and seasonal vacation rentals, with proximity to skiing and hiking trails creating year-round demand that traditional residential markets often lack.
8. Snoqualmie Pass
Snoqualmie Pass property values have skyrocketed by over $500,000 since 2016, representing both the largest dollar gain and among the highest percentage increases in Washington. The market shows renewed momentum in 2025 after a brief plateau, suggesting another potential growth cycle. This premier ski destination offers unparalleled investment opportunities in the luxury vacation rental segment, with premium winter rates often generating six-figure annual revenues for well-positioned properties.
9. Ashford
Ashford’s exceptional 172.5% growth has generated nearly $234,000 in equity for property owners who recognized its investment potential early. The consistent year-over-year appreciation, even after the pandemic boom, indicates sustainable demand driven by fundamental factors. This gateway community to Mount Rainier National Park offers prime opportunities in the vacation rental market, with nightly rates during peak season providing returns that far exceed traditional investment vehicles.
10. Lind
Lind’s remarkable 172% appreciation has transformed minimal $70,000 investments into $191,000 assets, offering extraordinary returns on modest capital deployment. The recent acceleration in 2025 suggests another growth phase may be beginning after modest 2024 gains. This Eastern Washington wheat farming community offers investors exceptionally low acquisition costs and strong rental yields, with cash flow potential that significantly outperforms stock dividends and bond returns in today’s financial landscape.
OTHERS FROM THE LEWIS COUNTY AREA IN THE TOP 20
11. Ryderwood
Ryderwood’s exceptional 168% growth has converted $94,000 properties into $253,000 assets, generating substantial wealth from minimal initial investment. The consistent upward trajectory, even post-2022, indicates sustained demand rather than speculative buying. This former logging town in Cowlitz County offers unique investment opportunities in the senior living segment, with its 55+ community status creating specialized rental demand that remains resilient through market fluctuations.
15. Morton
Morton’s extraordinary 158% appreciation has transformed modest $138,000 investments into $356,000 assets, generating over $218,000 in equity. The consistent growth trajectory, even after the pandemic-driven boom, suggests fundamental demand rather than speculative buying. This gateway to Mount Rainier offers investors both appreciation potential and seasonal rental opportunities, with tourism driving demand and creating higher cash-flow possibilities than long-term leasing would provide in this rural market.
18. Onalaska
Onalaska’s impressive 155% value growth has generated over $314,000 in wealth for property owners, significantly outperforming traditional investment vehicles. The temporary 2023 dip created strategic buying opportunities before renewed appreciation resumed in 2024-2025. Located in Lewis County near Mayfield Lake, Onalaska combines rural affordability with recreational amenities, positioning it ideally for both rental yield and capital growth strategies as remote work reshapes housing demand patterns.
19. Mossyrock
With nearly $281,000 in appreciation, Mossyrock real estate has doubled as both residence and wealth-building asset for savvy investors. The market shows renewed momentum in 2024-2025 after briefly plateauing, suggesting another potential growth cycle ahead. Situated near Mayfield Lake with mountain views, Mossyrock benefits from recreational appeal and relative affordability compared to similar waterfront communities, creating opportunities for both primary residence buyers and vacation rental investors.
20. Raymond
Raymond’s property market has transformed $113,000 investments into assets worth nearly $283,000, delivering exceptional returns on a modest initial outlay. The coastal town’s affordability creates compelling rental yield opportunities, with cash flow potential exceeding that of many larger markets. Located in Pacific County near the coast, Raymond’s steady post-2022 growth pattern indicates sustainable demand rather than speculative fever, making it ideal for buy-and-hold investment strategies.
Women In Business Seminar offers advice, support
By Dolly Tardiff Business Development Center/Program Manager Economic Alliance of Lewis County
Dolly Tardiff
Business Development Center/Program Manager Economic Alliance of Lewis County
As a woman who has owned a security company in the region since 1992, along with my full-time duties at the Economic Alliance of Lewis County, raising two children now in their 20s, and a thirst for living a full life (I just might go for a hike today), the upcoming Women In Business Seminar has me excited.
My business keeps me busy (upwards of 40-plus employees at times), but my secret is not to be a micromanager, but to hire good people, let them do their job and always be there for support.
My advice to find success in such a business is to watch time management and have an open-door policy.
The security business isn’t traditionally one led by a woman, but I have found it refreshing. My peers in similar businesses have been respectful and treated me as an equal. For that I am grateful.
I think we have come a long way, but there is much room to grow in supporting women business leaders. Competitive wages compared to men, for example, still has leaps to make.
Women who own businesses in the United States account for about 40% of all businesses, with about 12 million women-owned businesses and bringing in significant revenue and creating a large number of workers.
And we are charging forward, increasing in significant numbers in the past few years.
Yet we do face challenges, from attracting investments and funding, with loan sizes often lower than for male-owned businesses, Women often get a raw deal, but we will persevere.
By the numbers
Currently, women wield approximately $10 trillion in financial assets within the U.S. This number is expected to surge to $30 trillion by the close of the decade. (CNBC)
Women-led companies generated approximately $1.9 trillion in earnings, employed 10.9 million people, and maintained an annual payroll of $432.1 billion. (Census)
The primary sectors within women-owned businesses include retail (26%), health, beauty, and fitness services (17%), as well as food and restaurant (14%). (Guidant)
Women-owned companies rose 16.7% between 2012 and 2019, compared to 5.2% for men-owned businesses. (NWBC)
44% of women-owned businesses experienced an increase in annual revenue in 2022. (FED Small Business)
In 2022, 21% of women-owned businesses had an annual revenue between $100,001-$250,000. (FED Small Business)
32% of women-owned businesses are zero to two years old. (FED Small Business)
Most women business owners fall within the Generation X category (55.7%), while almost one-third belong to the Boomer generation (29.9%). (Guidant)
In 2022, 60% of women-owned businesses displayed profitability. (Guidant)
60% of female business owners expressed their happiness as business owners, with 33% indicating a strong “very happy” sentiment and 30% describing themselves as “somewhat happy” in their roles. (Guidant)
We certainly are a force to pay attention to. Listening and talking to women business leaders, what they have had to endure, their experiences and advice, is such a valuable time spent, and this seminar will deliver.
There is still room to sign up for the seminar, set for 2 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 14 at The Loft (547 NW Pacific Ave., Chehalis). Cost is $15, you are encouraged to wear pink, and you can pre-register by calling me at 360-748-0114. You’ll be treated to light refreshments which includes a beverage station.
But the real treat is the keynote speaker and the four-panel of women leading up to the keynote. I am friends with them all, and they are killer business leaders.
Centralis Mayor Kelly Smith Johnston is the keynote, The four panelists are Chehalis Foundation’s Jenny Collins, Country Financial’s Stephanie VonMoos, EXP Realty’s Paula Burrows and Evexia NW’s Jennifer Brown.
All are successful and experienced, with wisdom to share. They’ll discuss such topics as the hurdles facing women in business, how to juggle a job, a family, a house and all that makes up life, finding a mentor, being a mentor and more.
All five of the speakers, beyond finding success, are driven to give back to the community, which is another trait of strong business leadership.
I’ll see you there.
PROPERTY SPOTLIGHT
277 Hamilton Road N., Chehalis • $1,990,000 • 14.77 acres
This 14-plus acre property with I-5 visibility, frontage on Hamilton Road North, is just off the Exit 74 freeway interchange (Port of Chehalis exit). Property is in the Chehalis city UGA with several commercial businesses adjoining this property. Great location, adequate area for a wide variety of commercial, industrial or service uses. Excellent potential for a multi-building industrial park. Currently plotted into four lots. Located midway between Seattle and Portland. Listing agent: Randy Sullivan of CENTURY 21 Lund, Realtors, 360-269-0413.
For information on this property and others available throughout Lewis County (or to list your industrial/commercial property for sale or lease), contact Economic Alliance of Lewis County External Relations Manager Eric Sonnenberg at 208.206.5407 or [email protected], or go to lewisedc.com.
Eric Sonnenberg
Economic Alliance of Lewis County External Relations Manager
