HTML view of Uploaded file

To: Editorial Page Editors, Editorial Writers and Columnists

Harmful Logging Bill Diverts Focus from Real Priorities

Next week the Senate Agriculture Committee is expected to consider a harmful and unnecessary logging bill, H.R. 4200 opposed by scientists, hunters and fishers, firefighters and conservationists. Meanwhile the real need for increased funding to protect communities from fire, restore degraded watersheds and maintain recreation facilities goes lacking.

H.R. 4200, the Walden logging bill would further weaken environmental safeguards and opportunities for public involvement. The bill waives the National Environmental Policy Act, leaves roadless areas, old growth forests, and other special areas unprotected to many logging projects, threatens endangered species habitat, and could increase the risk of wildfire.

At a Senate hearing on H.R. 4200 Dr. James Karr testified that the bill failed to recognize or incorporate existing scientific research. Dr. Karr, who introduced a letter from over five hundred scientists opposing the bill, urged the Committee to exercise great caution on this legislation that could cause “irreparable harm.”

There is a growing body of public opinion opposing H.R. 4200 including editorials from all regions of the country and opinion editorials by prominent scientists available at http://forestpress.mediatools.org/folders/index.tcl?folder_id=1403

H.R. 4200 Would Harm Economically Important Recreation Areas

Outdoor recreation contributes $730 billion to the economy annually, and supports nearly 6.5 million jobs according to a new report by the Outdoor Industry Foundation. Bush administration policies promoting logging in popular recreation areas such as ancient forests and roadless areas is undermining this sustainable economic engine. Ancient forests harbor remarkable fish and wildlife and are popular tourist destinations and roadless areas are frequently used for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking and camping.

H.R. 4200 is Unnecessary

Supporters of the bill say that natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina justify legislation to exempt logging from environmental laws. After Katrina, however, the Forest Service planned the largest post-disturbance logging project in the nation's history using the authorities it already has, and the project is being conducted without any delays. According to a Forest Service review of Katrina's projects last July, 90% of the clean up operation has been completed. Federal agencies already have all the legal authorities they need to plan and implement logging projects after fires and other natural disturbances. Forest Service reports show that a significant portion (34%) of the timber volume from national forests over the last six years comes from post-disturbance logging.

H.R. 4200 Could Increase Fire Risk and Divert Limited Community Protection Resources

HR 4200 creates new incentives to log trees in remote backcountry areas of the forests, miles from communities that need fire prevention aid. What's worse, HR 4200 would accelerate the type of logging that can increase fire risk by leaving behind flammable debris, building new roads that lead to more fires, and drying out the forest by logging the largest, fire-resistant trees. At a July 19 oversight hearing, many Senators expressed disappointment about the lack of funding for fuels reduction. Colorado Senator Ken Salazar noted that there are now 240,000 acres of already approved fuels work in Colorado on the shelf, but only enough funding to complete 80,000 acres. Chief of the Forest Service Dale Bosworth conceded that with additional funds, more acres could be treated.

Scientists Say H.R. 4200 Would Harm the Environment

587 of the nation's leading forest scientists oppose HR 4200, saying in a letter to Congress that it “is misguided because it distorts or ignores recent scientific advances.” Post-fire logging destroys critical wildlife habitat, pollutes watersheds, delays a forest's ability to recover naturally, and increases fire risks.

H.R. 4200 Threatens Roadless Forests

The Forest Service has renewed logging in two Oregon roadless areas and issued plans for others in New Hampshire and Alaska. A photo essay by Time Magazine and a New York Times editorial reveal strong public opposition to logging roadless areas. H.R. 4200 would open the door to more roadless area logging projects by eliminating public involvement to clear away a common hurdle - strong public sentiment in favor of protecting these areas for future generations, water, wildlife and recreation. It also encourages the construction of logging roads in roadless areas by claiming they will be “temporary.” The Forest Service already has over 60,000 miles of “temporary” logging roads it cannot afford to maintain or restore.

H.R. 4200 Waives the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

Normally NEPA ensures that for logging projects federal agencies prepare alternatives and carefully examine and disclose the relative potential impacts to the public for their review and comment. Under H.R. 4200 there would be no alternatives considered or opportunity for public comment on this environmental effects analysis.

H.R. 4200 Waives the Endangered Species Act

H.R. 4200 seeks to lift the protections of the Endangered Species Act for endangered wildlife and their habitats in order to speed logging when a fire or hurricane, or even a rainstorm or snowstorm, occurs. Logging companies would be allowed to harm or kill endangered species within the project area and the Forest Service would no longer have to consult with wildlife professionals before logging.

Letters Opposing H.R. 4200

Scientists

Firefighters United for Safety, Ethics, and Ecology

Taxpayers for Common Sense

Conservation Community

National Wildlife Federation

Fact Sheets on H.R. 4200

Bill Analysis of H.R. 4200

Myths and Facts about H.R. 4200

Natural Recovery Works: Yellowstone National Park

General Fact Sheet on H.R. 4200

H.R. 4200 and Science