Why Thinning the Forest Can Save It
In the foothills of the North Cascades, a quiet transformation is underway.
The South Fork Stillaguamish Vegetation Management Project may not look dramatic from the roadside—but on the ground, strategic thinning is changing the future of this public forest. Overseen by the U.S. Forest Service, and implemented by Janicki Logging Co., the project is designed to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and accelerate the return of complex, old-growth-like habitat.
JLC’s David Janicki explains how strategic thinning at the Mallardy Timber Sale—part of the Stillaguamish Vegetation Management Project—is improving forest health, reducing fire risk, and jumpstarting old-growth conditions in a stand logged over 60 years ago.
Rather than removing all trees in a harvest block, the team selectively thinned overstocked stands, creating light gaps and structural diversity. In some places, dead or dying trees were left intentionally to benefit wildlife.
Drag the slider left and right to see before and after.
While the work is still in progress (as of summer 2025), early signs suggest a healthier, more resilient forest is already taking shape.
Mallardy Site Access (USFS Rd NF-4038)
Bonanza Site Access (USFS Rd NF-4037)
This is just the first step—follow-up posts will document what’s changing on the ground, and how these efforts connect to long-term regional restoration plans.