Forest Practices & Land Conversion

Grays Harbor County Code Title 14 implements the Washington State Forest Practices Act (RCW 76.09) to ensure that forest practices and forest land conversion activities are conducted in a manner consistent with county regulations, while protecting public resources such as water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and infrastructure.

While the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates most forest practices under WAC 222, the County also reviews certain activities to ensure consistency with local critical areas regulations (GHCC 18.06) and other applicable development standards.

A Forest Practices Application (FPA) is generally required for timber harvest on parcels two acres or larger. Depending on the circumstances, forest land conversion may be subject to a six-year development moratorium following DNR approval.

Landowners have several options for managing forest practices and potential conversion:

• Class IV General Conversion Permit: Required when forest land will be converted to a non-forestry use, such as residential development.
• Conversion Option Harvest Plan (COHP): A voluntary alternative reviewed by the County to ensure compliance with critical area requirements. A COHP must be submitted as an attachment to an FPA when applying with DNR and, if approved, may allow avoidance of the six-year development moratorium.
• Moratorium Rescission: In limited cases, a development moratorium may be lifted if conditions are met and required mitigation is completed under county code.

The County partners with DNR to support landowners through technical assistance, permitting guidance, and land management resources.

Additional information and assistance are available through the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, including the Forest Practices Application Review System (FPARS) and landowner assistance programs.