Galbraith Mountain Tree Farms To Be Temporarily Closed For Game Management
Public access to Galbraith Tree Farm will be temporarily closed from 12/4/24 through 12/6/24.
PRESS RELEASE
Galbraith Mountain Tree Farms To Be Temporarily Closed For Game Management
BELLINGHAM, WA – November 22, 2024 – Galbraith Tree Farm, LLC and Polygon Financial 05, LLC properties will temporarily close to public access from Wednesday, December 4, 2024, through Friday, December 6, 2024, to conduct a carefully managed bow hunt to control the deer population. This closure includes all trails, which the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition (WMBC) will clearly mark with signage. Recreational users are urged to respect the closure for their safety and the success of this effort.
In recent years, both tree farms have experienced combined losses of young cedar saplings due to deer overbrowsing exceeding $100,000. Losses at Galbraith Tree Farm alone are projected to approach $20,000 in 2024. The overpopulation of deer has also indirectly created safety concerns by attracting predators, such as mountain lions, to the area.
“This hunt is essential for mitigating cedar losses that threaten the sustainability of our reforestation efforts,” said Peter Wheeler, spokesperson for Galbraith Tree Farm, LLC and Janicki Logging Co. “We are committed to maintaining a healthy forest, and this trial marks our first step in exploring effective solutions to protect new growth while balancing wildlife populations. The outcomes of this hunt will guide our future approach to game management.”
A small group of licensed participants will conduct the bow hunt, and all safety protocols will be strictly enforced. This trial hunt will evaluate the effectiveness of such measures in protecting vulnerable reforestation areas across both properties.
As part of its commitment to sustainable forestry, Galbraith Tree Farm emphasizes that this hunt falls within recognized commercial forestry practices supported by industry standards and Washington state agencies. These measures are critical for mitigating wildlife impacts on young saplings and ensuring long-term forest health and productivity.
Galbraith Tree Farm and Polygon Financial 05, LLC appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation during this temporary closure.
(Signup form update added on November 26, 2024)
Thank you to everyone who has expressed interest in participating in the upcoming bow hunt on Galbraith Tree Farm and Polygon Financial 05 properties. We are thrilled by the community's support and enthusiasm for this sustainable game management effort.
At this time, all available slots for this first trial hunt have been filled.
Future hunts will depend on the success and outcomes of this year’s trial, including how effectively the hunt achieves its goals and how well recreational users respect the closure.
If you want to stay informed about potential future hunts and other updates, we invite you to join our mailing list by completing the sign-up form below. By subscribing, you’ll be the first to hear about opportunities and news related to Galbraith Tree Farm’s forestry and wildlife management efforts.
Sign Up For Email Updates On Hunting Opportunities At Galbraith Tree Farm
Background: Understanding the Need for Deer Management at Galbraith Mountain
Since acquiring Galbraith Tree Farm in 2017, its owners have transitioned from monoculture forestry practices to a sustainable, multistory canopy approach. This method has significantly increased the forest’s biodiversity, creating a healthier and more resilient ecosystem. However, this progress has also introduced challenges.
One of the most pressing concerns is the growing impact of deer on newly planted cedar saplings, a vital component of reforestation efforts at both Galbraith Tree Farm and Polygon Financial 05, LLC properties. Juvenile cedar trees are a preferred food source for deer, and their browsing has led to substantial annual losses.
In addition to being a preferred food source for deer, cedar saplings have become an increasingly important species in reforestation efforts at both tree farms. Cedar trees are far more resilient to laminated root rot, a fungal disease spreading through many sections of Douglas fir plantations in the Pacific Northwest, including portions of Galbraith Tree Farm and Polygon Financial 05, LLC properties.
Why Hunting is Necessary
Forest management experts and wildlife biologists agree that hunting is the only effective large-scale tool for managing deer populations. Studies by the USDA Forest Service highlight hunting’s role in maintaining ecological balance and protecting forest resources from overbrowsing.
The Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) oversees deer population management in Washington state. In 2023 alone, WDFW issued over 125,000 deer tags to balance wildlife populations with ecological and community needs. State laws also permit landowners to mitigate property damage caused by wildlife, including licensed or sanctioned hunts.
Why This Hunt is Different
Deer control at Galbraith Mountain wasn’t a priority under previous ownership because the monoculture forestry practices they used did not generate the same level of biodiversity the area now has. In contrast, today’s forest management efforts at both properties prioritize diverse reforestation, including thousands of cedar saplings being planted annually. This shift has made the tree farms more attractive to deer, requiring new management strategies.
Broader Forestry and Conservation Context
While the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) acknowledges the significant damage deer can cause to cedar seedlings, it does not directly address mitigation strategies specific to commercial forestry, as game management is outside of its purview. Galbraith Tree Farm and Polygon Financial 05, LLC's approach aligns with best practices supported by state wildlife policies and research on sustainable forest management.
Commitment to Sustainable Forestry
This trial hunt is part of Galbraith Tree Farm's and Polygon Financial 05, LLC's commitment to finding sustainable solutions to protect their forest resources and the broader ecosystem. Lessons from this effort will inform future practices, ensuring that the balance between biodiversity, wildlife populations, and recreational use remains a priority.
Media Inquiries:
Peter Wheeler
Galbraith Tree Farm, LLC & Janicki Logging Co.
425-418-3334
JLC@parallelcreative.com
