The King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks is looking for volunteers to serve on the Rural Forest Commission, which advises King County on policies and programs pertaining to forestlands.

These volunteer positions require attendance at six morning meetings a year, plus occasional conference calls or subcommittee work. There are two vacant positions to fill.

“The commission plays an essential role in bringing informed perspectives on matters affecting forests and the rural areas to the King County Executive and County Council,” said Commission Chair Nate Veranth.

Created in 1997, the commission recommends strategies to King County that will conserve forestlands, promote the business of forestry in rural areas, and ensure effective management of county-owned forests.

King County residents with a working knowledge of forestry in the county, the ability to work with differing viewpoints to find solutions to complex problems, and who meet at least one of the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

A forest landowner with 40 to 500 acres of rural forestland in King County, and for whom income from forestry is an important component of total income; or

An advocate of non-timber values of forestland, such as environmental protection, recreation or open space; or

A representative of consumers or users of local forest products, such as mills, lumber suppliers, craftsmen, florist suppliers or users of other alternative forest products.

To request an application package or to learn more about the Rural Forest Commission, contact King County’s Forestry Program at 206-477-4842; e-mail linda.vane@kingcounty.gov; or visit the website. Applications are due by June 1.