If you live in Washington, chances are you've been in a forest. Hundreds of thousands of people every year experience these incredible landscapes through hiking, mountain biking, and outdoor education classrooms.

Healthy forests also provide clean water to drink and clean air to breathe. And in addition to these benefits for us, forests provide a protective home for many types of animals and birds.

One such bird is a rare and threatened seabird called the marbled murrelet. This unique species often travels up to 50 miles from its nesting area in old forests to the ocean where it collects food for its young. Marbled murrelets nest on platforms created by large branches in big, old trees. Additionally, they require large connected patches of forest that protect nests from predators occupying edge areas.

We cannot aid the recovery of the marbled murrelet without ensuring the preservation and regrowth of these large, continuous areas of forest. As an “indicator” species, these birds also help us gauge the overall health of our entire forest ecosystems.

Right now, Public Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark is working on a federally-required conservation plan for the marbled murrelet. This has been, and will likely continue to be, a long process.

Unfortunately, the marbled murrelet can’t wait. In the last decade, Washington has seen a 30% decline in its population.

As Commissioner Goldmark continues to create the conservation plan there are two very important things he can do today that would help protect the marbled murrelets and our forests: 1) Stop logging in designated marbled murrelet management areas until the conservation plan is finalized; and, 2) Provide a larger protective buffer around marbled murrelet habitat.

Please sign the petition and urge the Commissioner to take action now!