1997 FWOC Resolution
No. 5
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ENDING COMMERCIAL LOGGING IN NATIONAL FORESTS
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Commercial logging in the
National Forests has always been a privilege, not a legal right.
The basic law establishing the National Forest System, the Forest
Organic Act of 1897, states that the purpose of the new system was to
first "protect the forest," and only then to "furnish a supply of
timber and water."
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Since then the Forest
Service has followed a policy of allowing large scale commercial
logging to occur -- with devastating impacts on the forest
environment. This policy has not only NOT protected the forests,
it has caused terrible damage in the form of scarred and eroded
landscapes, silted and polluted streams, degraded wildlife habitat and
species driven to extinction, as well as 90% loss of ancient and native
forests.
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The Forest Service's
commitment to logging as the primary activity in forests is the main
cause of this problem. For the last 50 years, the timber industry
has brought enormous pressure to bear on our national forests through
the political process. It has pushed for "allowable cuts" up far
beyond anything sustainable; it has circumvented or weakened
environmental regulations and it has bitterly opposed every effort to
create new preserves, wilderness areas and parks. Its last effort
was the infamous "logging without laws" rider to the 1995 Supplemental
Appropriations bill. This rider ordered logging on ancient forest
and wildlife habitat with the suspension of environmental laws.
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It is now clear that
neither the timber industry nor Forest Service can be trusted to
protect our priceless National Forest, their scenic beauty and
wilderness, their wildlife and fisheries, or outdoor recreation
experiences, as long as commercial logging is allowed.
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| Therefore, the Federation
of Western
Outdoor Clubs calls for a cessation of all commercial logging in
national forests. Logging for administrative purposes, for
subsistence, public safety, the safety of adjacent private property of
the restoration of wildlife habitat (based on sound scientific
principles) would still be allowed. |
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F.W.O.C. urges its member clubs and
members to send this resolution to President Clinton, their Senators
and congressional representatives.
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