Consequently, Eastern Washington is home to hardy trees and plants which are well-adapted to temperature extremes and dry, or even arid, conditions. In Western Washington, species that need moderate temperatures and lots of moisture are more common. That's why, for example, you'll find Western Washington is home to one of the few temperate rain forests in the world. Located on the Olympic Peninsula, rainfall can reach 240 inches per year, providing just the right conditions for this unique forest to thrive. It's also why Eastern Washington forests are dominated by drought-resistant ponderosa pine, a species which doesn't require heavy rain or high humidity to grow.
All forests are complex cycles of change and renewal.
Trees, plant life, wildlife, insects, soil, water, atmosphere, and all the microscopic organisms of the forest ecosystem create a self-perpetuating, interdependent system of life. As we've learned more and more about these complex interrelationships, forest management practices have changed. Forests are no longer managed with only a specific tree species, such as Douglas fir or western hemlock, in mind. Instead, enlightened foresters manage entire forest habitats, balancing the need for a sustained yield of wood products with the needs of wildlife that live there. And all that interwoven life is supported and powered by solar energy and terrestrial matter - light, atmosphere, soil, and water.