Washington Considers Adding Tribal Members to State Logging Board

Proposal would give two tribal representatives seats on the Board of Natural Resources

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:23pm

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Washington state lawmakers are considering a bill that would add two tribal representatives to the state's Board of Natural Resources, which guides logging sales and other management decisions for millions of acres of public land. The proposal is backed by the state's Public Lands Commissioner and would bring the board's membership from six to eight. Supporters say the unique tribal perspectives would benefit the board's decision-making, while critics worry tribal members could sway the board away from timber sales that benefit counties and public schools.

Why it matters

The Board of Natural Resources plays a key role in managing Washington's public lands, including decisions around logging and conservation. Adding tribal representation to the board could shift the balance of power and influence the board's decisions, which have significant impacts on the environment, local economies, and the relationship between the state and tribal governments.

The details

The bill, proposed by Sen. Claudia Kauffman, would require the governor to appoint a tribal representative from each side of the Cascades to the Board of Natural Resources. Eligible tribal members must hold an elected position in a federally recognized tribe whose reservation or treaty-ceded lands are in Washington. The board approves timber sales, manages conservation land, establishes sustainable forest harvest levels, and oversees the sale and exchange of state trust lands. Supporters say tribal members would bring valuable perspectives, while critics worry they could vote against timber sales that benefit local economies.

  • The bill was voted out of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources on Monday.
  • If enacted, the governor would appoint tribal members to the board by July 1.

The players

Sen. Claudia Kauffman

A Democratic senator from Kent and the first Native American woman to serve in the state Senate, who proposed the bill to add tribal members to the Board of Natural Resources.

Dave Upthegrove

The Public Lands Commissioner who chairs the Board of Natural Resources and leads the Department of Natural Resources, which requested the legislation.

Bill Iyall

The chairman of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe and former Tacoma city engineer, who testified in support of the bill.

Sen. Keith Wagoner

A Republican senator from Sedro Woolley who expressed concerns that tribal members on the board could vote against timber sales that benefit his district.

Paul Jewell

The government relations director of the Washington State Association of Counties, who raised concerns that tribal members are not direct beneficiaries of logging sales on state lands.

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What they’re saying

“We can't undo the past, but we could create a more just and inclusive future.”

— Dave Upthegrove, Public Lands Commissioner

“We've just done a poor job as a state, historically, honoring that government-government relationship.”

— Rep. Chris Stearns, D-Kent

“We can make it work for everyone as well.”

— Bill Iyall, Cowlitz Indian Tribe Chairman

What’s next

If the bill is passed and signed by Governor Ferguson, the tribal representatives would be appointed to the Board of Natural Resources by July 1.

The takeaway

The proposal to add tribal members to the Board of Natural Resources reflects a broader effort to give Native American communities a greater voice in the management of public lands in Washington. While the move is supported by some as a way to bring more diverse perspectives to the board, it also raises concerns about the potential impact on the timber industry and local government funding.