Forests and farmland provide benefits to communities throughout King County. Along with storing carbon, which is important for the climate, forests also improve water and air quality and provide habitat for salmon and other wildlife. Forests also reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that reaches rivers and streams and provide places for recreation and cool shade for streams and sidewalks. King County is also a productive agricultural region with dairies, livestock operations, row crops, flowers, and berry fields. Trees and plants in forests and farmland pull carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas (GHG), from the atmosphere and store carbon in trees and soils. King County is prioritizing preserving natural areas and green spaces.
What's at stake
A net carbon sink absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits, helping reduce GHGs in the atmosphere. In King County, forests and farmlands serve as net carbon sinks, capturing carbon and playing a vital role in climate mitigation. It is estimated that on balance forests sequester approximately 23 percent of geographic-based emissions in the County. Estimates suggest that despite the Puget Sound region supporting naturally carbon rich forests, due to past management those in King County are well below their ecological potential. When land is converted to agricultural use and practices such as tillage, overgrazing, and removal of crop, soil carbon content is reduced.
Without proper preservation and management of forests and farmlands, King County would miss out on these important climate and environmental benefits.
A better outcome
Protecting and restoring high-value forests and farmland by improving forest management and adoption of regenerative, climate-smart agricultural practices can improve forest and soil health, sequester additional carbon, and create more resilient, ecologically sustainable landscapes.
What we've done to get here
- Protected 4,480 acres of forests, natural areas, and urban greenspace from 2016–2024.
- Awarded Healthy Communities & Parks grants to 114 projects from 2022 to 2024.
- Accelerated restoration of county-owned forest and natural areas, on track to restore 2,000 acres by 2030.
- Begun implementing the 30-year Forest Plan, including pilot projects and expanded capacity to focus on urban forests.
- Made progress finalizing and drafting Forest Stewardship Plans.
- Supported adoption of regenerative agricultural practices on county-owned and privately owned farmland.