The natural forest in Banner Heritage Park is a treasure for our community in Kitsap County, WA. Its beauty is not just observed but experienced by mountain bikers, hikers, horse riders, runners, dog walkers, mushroom and brush pickers, and those who seek the serene tranquility of forest bathing. This beautiful part of nature is crucial to our local environment, offering a space for personal reflection, recreation, and community bonding.

However, the county has proposed logging this cherished forest, which threatens to destroy the natural habitat and the many activities we cherish. Logging will lead to the loss of wildlife habitat, disruption of local ecosystems, and will diminish the aesthetic and recreational value of the park. The county has plans to harvest 519 acres out of a 635 acre park, under the guise of forest restoration.

According to the American Forest Foundation, forests like ours provide critical environmental benefits, including carbon storage, air and water purification, and soil stabilization. They also support biodiversity by providing habitats for approximately 80% of terrestrial wildlife. Logging can drastically reduce these benefits and change the landscape irrevocably.

Furthermore, the economic benefits touted by such logging initiatives often overlook the long-term ecological and community costs. Our park is used by thousands of residents and draws visitors who contribute to our local economy through their use of nearby facilities and businesses.

We propose that the county consider alternative solutions to meet their forest health concerns, such as thinning by hand that does not involve mechanized logging equipment in the forest or significant alteration of the natural landscape.

It's vital for us to stand united to preserve the integrity of Banner Heritage Park for current and future generations. Sign this petition to urge the Kitsap County officials to reconsider their plans to log the park. Together, we can protect this invaluable natural resource and continue to enjoy Banner Heritage Park's beauty and benefits for years to come.

Please sign this petition to stop the logging and save our forest.