URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Send a letter to the Forest Service by 9/21 to help protect our oldest trees!

There is a HUGE opportunity right now to take a stand for the future of our forests in the Klamath-Siskiyou region. The U.S. Forest Service is working to update every national forest plan in the country to protect old growth, which could become one of the most meaningful safeguards for federal forests that we have seen in decades. The agency is currently seeking public input on how they’ll manage public forests for generations to come. This is a unique opportunity that we don’t want to miss.

If enough of us write in this summer, we could finally end the harmful practice of logging our old-growth trees for profit and chart a course that allows mature trees to keep growing and become the next generation of old-growth.

Now is our chance to do something about the future of old-growth ecosystems. The outcomes of this process, and how meaningful they actually are, will depend on how far the public can push the Forest Service to establish enforceable protections. That’s where you come in! Help us demand stronger protections for forests by submitting a comment today!

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: Send a letter to the Forest Service by 9/21 to help protect our oldest trees!

Dear Chief Moore,


Mature and old-growth trees and forests protect our climate by absorbing and storing carbon, boosting resilience to fire, regulating temperatures, filtering drinking water, and sheltering wildlife. Logging these trees deprives us and future generations of the benefits and beauty of our largest, oldest trees.


The National Old-Growth Amendment Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a great step forward in recognizing the values of mature and old-growth forests. It is also a step forward in recognizing and including Indigenous tribes and knowledge into forest management policy.


However, I am concerned the draft fails to adequately protect mature trees and forests. Mature trees are future old growth and must be adequately protected in order to recover old growth that has been lost to past mismanagement. Protection of mature forests can be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with addressing the threat of fire.


The Final EIS should more clearly describe the focus on restoring forest resilience in the face of climate change. It is imperative that the final plan prioritizes the enhancement of forest resilience to climate impacts, including increased fire risk. Protecting old-growth trees is a crucial component of this effort. As legacy features, they play an irreplaceable role in maintaining the health and stability of forest ecosystems. These trees are essential for mitigating climate change effects and ensuring that forests can continue to thrive despite increasing environmental stressors.


The draft also fails to adequately protect mature trees and forests. Mature forests and trees – future old growth – must be protected from the threat of commercial logging in order to recover old growth that has been lost to past mismanagement. Protection of mature forests can be accomplished in a manner that is consistent with addressing the threat of fire. They must be protected to aid in the fight against worsening climate change and biodiversity loss. Protecting mature trees will help ensure that the next generation will be able to experience and enjoy old growth.


We urge you to take this opportunity to protect our oldest trees and forests. Failure to do so undermines the direction of EO 14072. Please take this opportunity to listen to the over half a million public comments asking the agency to protect mature and old growth during last summer's notice of rulemaking.


Sincerely,

? Take future action with a single click.
Log in or  Sign up for FastAction

Supporter Information

We value our supporters and their information. We do not loan or share our contacts with any outside entities or individuals. You will always have the option to unsubscribe from our emails, but we really hope you don't!

Forests, Old-Growth, Public Lands, wildlandsKlamath Siskiyoutop story, old-growth, old-growth logging, forest service, usfs, united states forest service, us forest service, noga, national old growth amendment, action alert, take action