Montesano City Forest
The Montesano City Forest, known as America’s First Tree Farm, has been in City Ownership since 1931. The 5,400-acre City Forest is managed for a suite of benefits which include: long-term sustainable timber harvest, well-stewarded fish and wildlife habitat areas, continued recreation opportunities, public access and education opportunities, and forest revenues to support City public works expenses.
Some of the community benefits that this property provides include:
An average timber harvest revenue of $1 million annually.
Over 20 miles of maintained hiking and biking trails within the forest.
Increased forestland retention in riparian areas, accounting for 20% of total acreage in riparian protection zones, esuring specific habitat remain in place for wildlife and riparian species.
Community Members on an annual property tour with (former) Montesano City Forester.
Photo provided by City of Montesano
Additional Property Facts:
The property maintains over 4,000 acres of working forestland.
The City works with Grays Harbor College to employ a student intern. During the internship, students learn forest management through hands-on experiences.
The City Forest connects to the Lake Sylvia State Park trail network, further increasing the extensive public access and recreational opportunities available to the community.
The Forest is made up predominantly of Douglas Fir, totalling around 75% of the total available timber (mBf), with an additional 20% of available timber consisting of Western Hemlock.
The City’s 2018 Forest Management Plan identifies a rotation age target of 55-years, as it “doubles harvestable volume from age 40 to age 55”.
The Monestano City Forest is an example of a municipally owned forest, able to provide economic, environmental, and community-oriented benefits to the area. This property remains an active, working forest, aligning with the overarching priorities of the City to ensure revenue supports the overarching needs and City projects. Through sustainable timber harvest, riparian zone management, public access, and education, the Montesano City Forest remains a vital piece of public infrastructure.
Right: Montesano City Forest trail system.
Left: 2024 summer harvest - totaling 90 acres of commercial harvest.
Photos: Sustainable Northwest
This document is supported in part by financial assistance by the Forest Service through the Urban and Community Forest Program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
