[The Center Square]—The state Forest Practices Board has narrowly approved a controversial water buffer rule that has drawn criticism from forestry and farming advocates, as well as local counties that say their economies will be negatively impacted.

In its 7-5 vote at its Wednesday meeting, the FPB approved the new buffer that expands riparian shade protections for perennial non-fish-bearing streams, a move forestry advocates have noted would remove 200,000 acres of private forestland from use without financial compensation.

“To say that we’re disappointed is probably an understatement,” Executive Director of Washington Farm Forestry Association Elaine Oneil said during the public comment period of the FPB’s meeting, following the buffer rule vote. “But I am perhaps not surprised. What

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