Fundamental to realizing The Wilderness Society's vision is the retention of the National Forests in public ownership. Our vision calls for National Forest management to be directed at maintaining healthy and sustainable natural forests that can provide multiple benefits, from recreation to jobs for future generations of Americans. We believe it is appropriate to continue managing the forests for recreation, timber, livestock forage, and other commodities, but only when doing so is consistent with ecosystem integrity. Toward that end, The Wilderness Society believes the following principles should guide National Forest management:
1. The integrity, health, and sustainability of wildland ecosystems shall be the goal of all management.
In his famous "Land Ethic" essay in A Sand County Almanac, Aldo Leopold, a founder of The Wilderness Society, wrote, "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." For too long National Forests have been managed as commodity farms to be logged, mined, roaded, and drilled in the short-term, without respect for the limits of the land. Ecosystem-based management would protect the non-commodity values that the forests provide and preserve options for future generations.
2. Do no harm to the forest environment.
Forests have always been an important part of human culture. Throughout the country, diverse religious communities are rediscovering within their religious texts the basis for celebrating and advocating for the earth. Unfortunately, management actions have often fallen short of aspirations, allowing diverse, native forests and wildlife to dwindle and disappear. The Wilderness Society's vision calls for a more cautious, reverent approach to the land, with emphasis on restoring damaged forest areas while protecting those that remain unspoiled. Under this approach, roadless areas and ancient forests will be protected, streams will be allowed to recover, and native fish, wildlife and plant species may be restored.
3. Planning and management shall be based on the best available information and scientific understanding.
Greater knowledge of forest ecosystems inspires greater appreciation of the many gifts they provide. Recent scientific insight has demonstrated that forests produce some of the nation's purest water, help filter harmful pollutants out of the air, and provide sanctuaries for sensitive plant species that may hold the key to the development of life-saving medicines. Accordingly, research and monitoring to improve knowledge of National Forest environmental conditions should become a top governmental priority. To achieve this goal, the Forest Service needs to develop a better inventory of the plant, fish, wildlife and water resources that exist in the National Forests. Turning to forest management, scientists are now examining new ways of reintroducing fire and thinning forests to help restore natural cycles without disrupting environmental quality. Basing National Forest planning and management decisions on the insight of dedicated scientists and forest ecologists promises to pay additional future dividends for the country.
4. Management activities shall be economically sound and foster growth of natural asset values.
In the National Forests, 75 percent of all jobs are now tied to recreational activities such as camping and fishing while only three percent of jobs involve logging. Yet outdated laws and policies continue to create perverse financial incentives to log remaining unscarred National Forest areas. The time has come to phase out subsidized commodity timber sales and grazing leases that are hurting the American taxpayer. Instead, Congress should provide adequate and stable funding for ecologically beneficial management such as monitoring, restoration, and research. National Forests can be managed on a financially sound footing and to the long-term economic advantage of local communities if less damaging activities such as low-impact recreation are emphasized. From a fiscal and ecological standpoint, National Forest policy should reflect this fundamental change.
5. Citizens shall have the opportunity to participate in the decision-making processes affecting their public forests.
The Wilderness Society's vision supports the continuing right of American citizens to influence National Forest management plans. Public participation in National Forest planning can result in greater governmental accountability for the long-term management of our natural resources. The Forest Service should foster informed public involvement by making data and other relevant information readily available to interested citizens and by rewarding managers who work well with the public.
