I recently had the privilege of talking with several activists who were involved in one of the most exciting forest defense actions I’ve heard about happening in the Pacific Northwest in quite some time. Read on for their inspiring story!

Earlier this year, seven activists entered the site of a proposed timber sale in Washington State, intent on halting — or at least delaying — the destruction of trees with immense carbon storage potential. Over the course of several hours, they hiked off-trail through the dense understory, removing signs and flagging tape marking the boundaries of the controversial Carrot timber sale.

The creative nonviolent direct action seemed to pay off, as a couple days later Washington’s Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, announced it was cancelling the Carrot sale for the time being. The timing seems striking, even though the announcement did not acknowledge the protest. Now, the nonviolent saboteurs hope their actions have bought enough precious time to permanently protect the area.

“It’s been satisfying,” said retired physician and University of Washington faculty member Bill Daniell, who participated in the disruption. “It’s not often you get to see direct action have such an immediate impact.”

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