Adding a tribal member to the board of natural resources (HB 2117)
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Washington
2026
This bill adds a tribal member to the state Board of Natural Resources, expanding it from six to seven members. The governor chooses the tribal representative for a four-year term after asking tribes for nominees. With a tribal voice at the table, decisions on forests and other public lands can include traditional knowledge, protect resources, and build trust with tribes and local communities. It aims to improve fairness, collaboration, and long-term stewardship.
Vote Yes on this bill if you want a tribal representative added to the Board of Natural Resources to include Indigenous knowledge, improve collaboration, and strengthen long-term stewardship of public lands.
Organizations that support this bill may include federally recognized tribes, conservation and environmental groups, public lands co-management advocates, and state natural resource agencies.
Supported By
Vote No on this bill if you want to keep the board’s current makeup, avoid adding an appointed seat, and prevent potential shifts in priorities that could affect timber revenues and decision speed.
Organizations that oppose this bill may include timber and resource extraction associations, some county revenue and trust beneficiary advocates, and small-government groups concerned about board size and balance.
