Galbraith Tree Farm To Showcase Its Active Stewardship Approach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bellingham, WA – Galbraith Tree Farm LLC (GTF) remains committed to sustainable forest management and enhancing recreational access on Galbraith Mountain. GTF has been instrumental in securing the ecological health of this cherished local asset while optimizing carbon sequestration and promoting biodiversity.
Preserving Recreation and Nature Through Partnership
Galbraith Mountain, a renowned destination for over half a million annual visits by hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts, benefits from a successful public-private partnership arrangement that safeguards the land from future development. This partnership between GTF, the City of Bellingham, and Whatcom Land Trust ensures the preservation of Galbraith Tree Farm's 2,182 acres for recreational use and natural conservation.
Proactive Forest Management for Ecological and Recreational Benefits
In our commitment to maintaining Galbraith Mountain's ecological health, GTF, in coordination with Janicki Logging, employs selective logging to preserve significant cedar trees and encourage natural regeneration, ensuring the landscape's visual and ecological integrity. This method effectively manages diseases, such as laminated root rot, by removing affected areas preemptively to sustain the forest's overall health and productivity.
Community Engagement and Swift Trail Restoration
Our operations are designed to minimize downtime for recreational activities, with a specific focus on rapid trail restoration. Collaborating closely with the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition and other community groups, we ensure that trails are restored and reopened promptly, often within days of project completion. This level of coordination reflects our commitment to the community and our dedication to maintaining access to these valued recreational resources.
Interactive Engagement Opportunities
To further engage the community and address any questions or concerns about forestry activities, Janicki Logging Co. will host two guided bike tours on Galbraith Mountain led by Peter Janicki. These tours will provide an open Q&A forum to ask questions and gain firsthand insights into our forest management practices on Galbraith Mountain. All are invited to join this 3-4 mile bike ride, starting from the main parking lot on S Samish Way at:
4 p.m. on May 7, 2024,
4 p.m. on May 14, 2024
Enhancing Carbon Sequestration
In 2023, GTF paused tree harvesting to evaluate the effectiveness of our forest management interventions made in 2022. Ongoing monitoring in 2024 has demonstrated progress, though further targeted interventions have proven necessary. The video accompanying this release showcases one of the active sites where these operations are currently underway, illustrating our commitment to continually adapting our strategies to optimize carbon capture and ensure forest vitality.
Looking Forward
GTF plans to continue its focus on sustainable logging practices that align with Galbraith Mountain's long-term ecological and recreational goals. The commitment to maintaining a balanced, healthy forest that supports recreation and habitat is at the core of every decision GTF makes.
About Galbraith Tree Farm
Galbraith Tree Farm LLC is dedicated to the sustainable management of forest lands, ensuring environmental stewardship, community engagement, and recreational access. Managing approximately 3,000 acres of forestland, GTF is a pivotal community partner in Whatcom County, contributing significantly to the local economy and quality of life.
Media Contact:
Peter K. Janicki, Land Manager
peterk@janickilogging.com
(360) 826-8808
5/23/24 Update
I'm excited to share an update on our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable forest management at Galbraith Tree Farm. As you may recall, we recently hosted two successful tours on May 7th and 14th, which were attended by approximately 20 members of the local mountain biking community. These tours provided an opportunity for participants to learn about our sustainable logging practices and how we are working to balance the needs of recreation with the health of the forest.
We are also pleased to report that most, if not all, of the trails that were closed last month due for logging activity have now been reopened. This is thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers from the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition, who put in many man-hours clearing debris and repairing damage.
We are committed to working with the community to ensure that Galbraith Tree Farm remains a vibrant and healthy forest for generations to come. We believe that sustainable forest management is essential for balancing the needs of recreation with the health of the forest.
~ Peter K. Janicki