Land purchases used to slow Wash. logging

SEATTLE, Jan. 5 (UPI) -- Conservationists say they are trying to buy up old-growth forest land in parts of Washington state to prevent logging from taking place.

Charlie Raines of the Sierra Club environmental group said conservationists are attempting to raise money to purchase parcels in Washington's Skykomish Valley that are tagged for logging, The Seattle Times reported Monday.

"We are happy to pay fair-market value, but we need some time to put a deal together," Raines said.

Raines' organization made the plea, along with other conservationist groups, to Longview Timber. The company manages more than a dozen parcels in the valley that the conservationists want placed under permanent protection.

The parcels total nearly 3,000 total acres, most of which are coated with old-growth forests.

Raines told the Times the conservationist movement is vital to preserving the area, which contains many rivers and is devoid of man-made roads.

"If we can protect the roadless areas and the river shore, that is the priority," he said.