The Wilderness Society has developed a Forest Vision that advocates a new paradigm in National Forest management that focuses primarily on protecting and restoring ecosystems in order to provide non-commodity values such as pure water and biological diversity.
Imagine American forests as they should be. Forests that adorn our country's mountains and valleys with large, stately trees. Forests that firmly hold and replenish the soil while reaching high overhead. Forests graced with clean, sparkling streams and lakes, and filled with abundant fish and wildlife populations. Forests that inspire awe and humility.
Such lands were once plentiful across much of the country, but they have since become far less common. Almost all the forests in the East and many in the West have been logged at least once. Most of America's forests are privately owned, ranging from small family woodlots to huge corporate tree farms managed solely for commercial output.
The Wilderness Society is committed to ensuring that the National Forests provide a magnificent natural legacy for future generations. Properly managed National Forests will produce clear water, clean air, wildlife habitat, and biological diversity, as well as outdoor recreation, timber, livestock forage, and other commodities where appropriate. As the cornerstone for large-scale ecosystem protection, the National Forests will emphasize public land values and opportunities -- such as wilderness -- which are rare or absent on other forest lands.
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