King County's Rural Forest Commission is currently recruiting new members for its upcoming 2027 term, offering Federal Way residents and others with connections to the region's forested areas an opportunity to contribute to critical stewardship initiatives. This volunteer body acts as a public advisory group to King County, providing valuable expertise and lived experience to inform policy decisions, safeguard working forests, and bolster strategies aimed at reducing wildfire hazards and promoting long-term forest health. Interested candidates must submit their applications by October 31.
The Commission plays a vital role in guiding the care of King County's significant forest lands, which have long been integral to the identity, heritage, and resilience of rural communities throughout the region. These landscapes are places where families establish traditions, sustain livelihoods, and connect with nature. However, they are also increasingly facing challenges such as wildfire risk and ecological changes that require proactive and informed management.
King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks facilitates the Commission’s work. Wendy Sammarco, King County Stewardship Forester and Liaison to the Rural Forest Commission, emphasized the importance of diverse input. "Each member of the Rural Forest Commission brings a unique story—one tied to place, stewardship, and community," Sammarco stated. She added that the county "rely[s] on these perspectives to help shape policies that protect our forests and the people who depend on them." Sammarco encouraged anyone with a passion for the future of King County’s forests to consider applying.
To ensure decisions reflect the multifaceted nature of rural forest landscapes, the Commission is intentionally structured to include a diverse cross-section of individuals from forest-related sectors. Commissioners represent various groups, including private rural forest landowners, advocates for non-timber forest values, affected Indian Tribes, consumers or users of local forest products, academic or professional foresters, representatives from rural cities, and officials from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources.
Prospective members should possess a working knowledge of forestry within King County, demonstrate a commitment to supporting sustainable forest practices, and be willing to collaborate across differing viewpoints. Each volunteer commits to serving a minimum three-year term. During their tenure, commissioners contribute to guiding policies that support the development and maintenance of healthy, resilient forests and the communities intrinsically linked to them.
King County's Department of Natural Resources and Parks published notice of this recruitment, noting the deadline for applications. Those interested in joining the Rural Forest Commission can apply through King County’s application link by the October 31 deadline. For more detailed information regarding the roles and responsibilities of Commission members, interested parties are invited to contact King County Stewardship Forester and Liaison to the Rural Forest Commission Wendy Sammarco directly via email at [email protected]. The recruitment period for the 2027 term will close as scheduled.
