FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

---

KEEP SIERRA NEVADA FOREST FRAMEWORK INTACT

In 2001 a historic plan--the Sierra Nevada Framework, which is designed to preserve old growth and threatened wildlife, was adopted by the U.S. Forest Service. This plan set strict limits on the cutting of large trees and the building of roads, while encouraging the removal of brush and small trees near communities to decrease the risk of catastrophic fire. The framework took almost eight years to complete and drew massive scientific input and public support.

However, under pressure from large timber companies, the Forest Service has now issued a proposed amendment which would double the amount of logging permitted, increase the diameter of trees that could be cut, reduce canopy-cover requirements, and decrease protection for the California spotted owl, the fisher, and other threatened species. This amendment would benefit only those companies which want to cut large trees. More cattle could also be grazed.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs strongly opposes the proposed amendment (Alternative S-2 of the Draft Environmental Impact Statement) and supports S-1, the "No-Action" alternative, which would keep the present framework intact.


next >>