Our approach to forestry is based on direct involvement in local research over the last 20 years. Stand development history, historic patterns of fire, and disturbance ecology are important to understand when making recommendations to steward our unique island forests. Rain Shadow Consulting has been a leader in innovative, low-impact restoration and stand improvement practices since 2005. We promote the development of diverse and resilient forests that provide important habitat features through the development of complex structural and compositional attributes.
Services
Habitat Restoration
From fish bearing streams to oak woodlands, we have extensive experience with ecosystem restoration.
Fuel Reduction & Wildfire Risk Mitigation
We are the largest provider of innovative fuel reduction and fire-safe practices in the county. We partner with DNR, Land Bank, State Parks, Conservation District, and many others.
Ecological Forestry & Restoration Thinning
Our goal is to bring a greater ecological focus to forestry, implementing management strategies to enhance forest health and resilience.
Related Projects
Crescent Beach Preserve Fuels Reduction Project
Active Project Crescent Beach: Rain Shadow Consulting (RSC) is excited to begin a comprehensive forest restoration project at the Crescent Beach Preserve on Orcas Island. Partnering with the San Juan County Land Bank and WA Department of Natural Resources, RSC will be implementing fuel reduction and forest thinning work across 32 acres of the beloved Crecent ...
read moreBlakely Island Fuels Reduction
Blakely Island; In the spring of 2025, Rain Shadow Consulting was awarded a fuels reduction contract on Blakely Island. Partnering with the WA Department of Natural Resources and Blakely Island Timber Company, RSC installed a shaded fuel break along nearly 4 miles of the island’s main north-south access road. This shaded fuel break was accomplished by removing ...
read moreFifty Acre Variable Density Thinning Project
In 2012 RSC completed a 50 acre variable density thinning project in a 70 year old Douglas-fir stand in order to increase diversity, lower fuel loads, and accelerate old-growth characteristics. The work was conducted by Island Excavating (Orcas Island) and the useable wood was sold to offset the costs of treatment.