FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS

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OPPOSITION TO MORE LOGGING LOOPHOLES

Because of public opposition to commercial logging on national forest lands, the timber industry is using other pretexts to justify logging.  A few years ago, the timber industry and the Bush administration justified a resumption of large-scale logging with their so-called "Healthy Forest Restoration Act" which they persuaded Congress to enact, ostensibly to reduce build-up of fuels in the forests.

Now they are pushing a second healthy forests initiative to make it easier to log national forests after fires and other natural events (such as blow downs, ice storms, and insect outbreaks).

This latest initiative would reduce environmental reviews, judicial review and opportunities for public comment.  This latest initiative purports to authorize expedited restoration following these events but really opens new loopholes for logging, justifying widespread removal of trees as part of this effort.

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs opposes creating any more loopholes for logging on the national forests or suspension of normal environmental reviews, judicial review, and opportunities for public comment.

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