Federal Lands
Half of our state is forested, and most of this land is managed by the federal government. This includes national parks, designated wilderness areas and U.S. Forest Service lands.
- Over the last five years, the federal Legacy Roads program has provided $20 million to improve 1,609 miles of roads and fix 37 fish passage barriers.
- There is more work to be done: The US Forest Service estimates $250-$300 million will be needed for road improvements and fish passages in Washington State alone.
- There are about 22,000 miles of Forest Service roads, once paid for by forest management activities. These deteriorating roads cause environmental damage. A lack of public funds makes it difficult to properly improve and maintain these roads.
