PORT ANGELES — Logging in parts of the Elwha River watershed is on hold—for now.
Clallam County Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Stanley has issued a 14-day temporary restraining order halting logging activity in two state-managed forest parcels known as “Parched” and “Tree Well.” The order comes after a request from the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition, which is suing to stop the timber sale, arguing the Department of Natural Resources has failed to meet its conservation commitments for older forests under its Habitat Conservation Plan.
Judge Stanley ruled Wednesday that immediate and irreparable harm—such as road construction, environmental damage, and the loss of forest resources—could occur without emergency action.
The timber sale covers about 300 acres near the Elwha River and was auctioned to Oregon-based Murphy Company in December. Since then, the company has begun roadwork in preparation for logging.
Meanwhile, environmental activists have taken direct action, erecting a blockade on a logging road and suspending one protester 80 feet up in a tree. The setup is rigged with a dunk-tank-style platform that would drop if the barricade is disturbed. The state has closed the Dry Hill Recreation Area for safety, which could impact the May 16 NW Cup mountain bike race.
A hearing on a preliminary injunction—which could extend the logging halt by several months—is expected within two weeks.