HARSTINE ISLAND FOREST - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

 

by Ken Brown - long-time resident

 

Written around 2003

 

This perspective is based on information gathered from family members who have lived on Jarstine Island for four generations, camping on the north end, beginning over 60 years ago, and in one case logging on the property which is now Hartstene Pointe.  My personal observations go back to the early 50s, and I purchased an Island House in the 80s.

 

Following the logging in the 40's, there was another harvest prior to development in the late 60's or early 70's.  During this logging, Weyerhaeuser took out the best trees (Douglas Firs, primarily), leaving young and low value trees (Maples, Cedars, etc).  This not only opened up the water views, but also opened up much of the understory to sunlight, allowing growth for plants like salal, huckleberry, ocean spray and other natives, creating a healthy, green environment.