Mapping Forest Conversion Risk in Washington

Greene Economics and partners will help Washington DNR assess risks and protect working forests across the state

Greene Economics has been selected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to lead the Washington State Forest Conversion Risk Assessment and Evaluation. Funded by the Washington State Legislature in 2023 through the Cimate Commitment Act, the project will help DNR understand where forests are most at risk of conversion to urban uses — and what’s at stake when those forests disappear.

As prime consultant, Greene Economics is leading a cross-disciplinary team of forestry experts, urban planners, reforestation specialists, economists, and geospatial analysts. Together, we are mapping high-value, high-risk forest areas, analyzing the social and economic pressures driving land conversion, and developing a user-friendly tool to help DNR prioritize conservation strategies.

With Washington’s working forests supporting over 100,000 jobs and offsetting nearly 35% of the state’s carbon emissions, understanding conversion trends is more urgent than ever. Rapid development, fragmented land ownership, and population growth continue to threaten forestlands—especially in Western Washington.

Our team will deliver progress reports, a spatial risk assessment, and a weighted decision tool to help DNR act quickly and effectively. Final products are expected in June 2025, with draft outputs as soon as fall 2024.

We’re proud to support DNR’s leadership in protecting Washington’s forests—and the communities, jobs, and ecosystems they sustain.