Washington’s Timber Barons Organize to Halt Forest Destruction
A new association of business leaders and timber experts pledges to fight forest 'land grabs' and waste in support of President Roosevelt’s conservation agenda.
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SPOKANE, Jan. 12.—For the purpose of encouraging legislation to minimize the illegal acquisition of timber lands by individuals or corporations and of devising means to check the appalling annual waste of timber in the state of Washington, a number of the state's most prominent men have organized the Washington Forestry Association. E. H. Libby, a Spokane capitalist, is president, backed by an advisory board of business men and timber experts. The association has declared its intention to support President Roosevelt in his effort to force congress to prioritize forest conservation. President Libby stated, 'It is not our intention to work alone. Our plan is to work with the government forestry bureau to educate the public on the necessity of preserving our unexcelled forests, to eliminate forest fires that destroy millions of feet of timber, to prevent waste in commercial cutting, and to discourage corporate efforts to 'grab' public timber lands.'
“To discourage organized corporation efforts for 'grabbing' timber lands; to lend to the federal government every aid and encouragement towards prosecuting timber land thieves.”
This 1909 organizing effort highlights the early, fierce struggle over the commodification of Washington’s natural resources. Much like modern environmental debates, the tension between economic extraction and conservation remains a central theme in Washington politics, though the focus has shifted from unchecked logging to sustainable management and climate resilience.
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