3 Most informative videos on the future of Washington States forests
a RIVERS curation
Here at RIVERS, we focus—predominantly—on rivers. I know you might be thinking, well, obviously...
But as so many of us river lovers understand, a river is far more than just the water that flows from source to mouth. Rivers are the veins of the watershed. They are shaped by and intertwined with the entire ecosystem through which they flow.
In the Salish Sea bioregion, this relationship is especially clear: healthy rivers rely on healthy forests. And yet, conversations about conservation often silo the two, focusing either on water or trees. But what happens when we look at them together? What happens when we recognize that the fate of rivers is bound to the fate of the forests?
To help deepen our collective understanding, we've curated three powerful videos that shed light on the future of Washington State’s forests and, by extension, its rivers.
The Future of Forests With Dr. Jerry Franklin
This insightful conversation with Dr. Jerry Franklin—known as the “father of New Forestry”—explores ecological forestry and how it differs from conventional timber practices. Hosted by Bellingham-based nonprofit Resources, the film outlines the urgent need to move beyond industrial logging and manage forests as complex, living systems.
Water from the Woods
Join Alex Harris on a journey along the Nooksack River as he uncovers the deep ecological connection between forests and rivers. This beautifully shot short film explores how watershed health, climate resilience, and community action all converge in the forested headwaters of the Salish Sea. A must-watch for anyone who loves rivers and the ecosystems they depend on.
Second Growth vs. Old Growth?
This informative video from the Ancient Forest Alliance, based on Vancouver Island, B.C., offers great insight into the differences between old-growth forests and industrial second-growth forests. It sheds light on why much of the Salish Sea region today is dominated by logged and regrown landscapes—and why protecting remaining old growth matters for rivers, wildlife, and climate.
Together, these videos remind us that forests and rivers are inseparable—each shaping and sustaining the other in profound ways. From understanding the ecological wisdom of old growth to embracing new models of forest stewardship, the future of our watersheds depends on how we care for these interconnected ecosystems. At RIVERS, we believe that protecting forests means protecting the rivers they feed, and ultimately, the communities and wildlife that depend on them.
