Damn Tree Huggin Hippies!

Since the Anti-Staples Campaign ended (VERY SUCCESSFULLY!), I've relaxed a bit in my rantings about the irresponsible use of paper and other timber products, but in light of today's election results, I think this is the only fitting topic. Our fearless leader would have you believe that the best way to deal with the challenges associated with managing our forests is to cut them all down. During his first term, Bush was instrumental in repealing the Roadless Act that prohibited logging companies from building additional roads through virgin forest on public lands for use in taxpayer-subsidized logging projects and creating a fire management program that focused solely the protection of private property to name only a few (the complete list can be found at http://www.forestadvocate.org/pdf/Thousand_Cuts.pdf). Many of the forests that are being affected by these backwards policies are old growth or virgin forests. At one time, this country was almost entirely covered with forest. Now only 5% of the original forests remain. When you see a forest these days, even in most National Forests, what you are looking at is most likely a “second growth” forest which means that it has been heavily logged or clear-cut at least once and replanted often with non-native plant species. Now is the time to commit to making the next four years very uncomfortable for those who oppose responsible forest management. Below is a list of sites with information on the logging industry, management policy, and how to take action (sorry, my computer’s misbehaving and won’t let me make links). Senator John McCain (a Republican!) along with several others has been very active recently in trying to pass legislation to protect these forests. As opportunities arise to support their efforts, I’ll be sure to post them.


http://www.seac.org/boise/
http://www.forestadvocate.org/