Keep logging out of these ancient forests

The Sitka spruce with swooping branches draped in moss.

The Western hemlock with roots fanned at its base as if still clinging to the nurse log upon which it grew.

The Jeffrey pine whose fragrant bark smells of butterscotch and vanilla.

These trees owe their existence to the Northwest Forest Plan. But if recently proposed amendments are passed, the same plan that has defended these trees for the past 30 years could be warped to suddenly spell their demise.

The Forest Service is considering amending the plan to double or even triple the amount of commercial logging within 17 national forests.

Millions of acres of national forest could be opened up for logging

The Northwest Forest Plan has shaped forest management across much of Washington, Oregon and Northern California, defending some of the country’s oldest forests from the timber industry.

Under these proposed amendments, millions of acres of national forest — including 800,000 acres of mature and old-growth — could be opened up for logging.

The plan currently protects any tree over 80 years old from logging, but the proposed amendments would up this age limit to 120 or even 150 years. Trees once slated to grow into the old-growth of tomorrow could be turned into lumber.

Old-growth forests are exceedingly rare — approximately 18% of the forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management is defined as old-growth. These unique ecosystems provide critical habitat for threatened species including northern flying squirrels, northern spotted owls and coho salmon. These forests help filter and regulate fresh water and store massive amounts of carbon.

The forests of the Pacific Northwest deserve better

Logging these trees would make the region dryer, hotter, and even more susceptible to the wildfires these amendments claim to be addressing.

The Northwest Forest Plan is so unique and successful because it recognizes the ecological and cultural importance of forests. But these proposed amendments threaten to reinterpret the inherent value of a forest, turning enchanting trees into anonymous commodities.

Take action to protect forests

The forests of the Pacific Northwest deserve better. We have until March 17 to voice our opposition to these amendments. Join us in speaking up in defense of these extraordinary trees.