Stand up for old-growth forests
The Forest Service is exploring a change in forest policy for all National Forests east of the Cascades in Oregon via what they’ve dubbed “Project 21.” This project would allow the Forest Service to cut and sell trees larger than 21” in diameter. Thanks to prior advocacy, current forest policy prevents cutting these large trees throughout the Deschutes, Ochoco, Fremont-Winema, Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests.
This “Wildlife Standard” protects all trees larger than 21” in diameter from timber harvest because of their incredible value for wildlife habitat. The largest trees left on our dry eastside forests are still standing because of the protections provided by this “Wildlife Standard.”
LandWatch is deeply concerned about the impact this proposed policy change could have on the health and resilience of our forests. All big trees on our National Forests, regardless of species, have ecological value because they are home to many species of wildlife. They provide shade that helps keep forests moist and fire-resilient. They are also a valuable carbon storage sink. With so few old-growth forests left in Oregon, we should be doing everything we can to save our last big trees.
Let’s show the Forest Service how much we care by attending their upcoming virtual workshops. These workshops are all open to the public, and details are below. The Forest Service requests you RSVP at this link: Click here to sign up.
WORKSHOPS
Science Forum: Monday, May 11, 2020, 1 – 4 p.m. PDT
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in forest science, wildlife biology, fire ecology and the management of national forests in eastern Oregon.
Conference Line: 1-877-369-5243 or 1-617-668-3633, Access Code: 0994229#
Adobe Connect link: https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/dvvms-500/
Intergovernmental Technical Workshop**: Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 1 – 4 p.m. PDT
Who Should Attend: Designed for county, state, and tribal government representatives. Co-hosted by the Eastern Oregon County Association (EOCA).
Conference Line: 1-888-844-9904, Access Code: 1625330#
Adobe Connect link: https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/dvvms-500/
Partner Technical Workshop: Friday, May 15, 2020, 1 – 4 p.m. PDT
Who Should Attend: Participants representing a broad range of interests and/or who are highly engaged with national forest management.
Conference Line: 1-888-844-9904, Access Code: 1625330#
Adobe Connect link: https://usfs.adobeconnect.com/dvvms-500/