Against public interest, Trump hands public forests over to private industry
The Coconino National Forest (Arizona) in the aftermath of a fire. Fire can actually play an important role in a forest's natural equilibrium, allowing new life to spring forth.
Brady Smith (USFS), flickr.
Trump gives greenlight for reckless logging, sidesteps critical environmental law
While people across the country were out enjoying their public lands and forests on Saturday afternoon, President Trump was signing an executive order that makes it easier for private companies to log and clearcut forests, while sidestepping review under the Endangered Species Act.
Executive Order “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production” is reckless, anti-science, and masquerades as a wildfire solution, yet does nothing to protect communities threatened by wildfire.
Trump’s Executive Order is a multi-pronged attack, aided by his allies in Congress who are moving along the misguided “Fix Our Forests Act” and following the firing of thousands of federal workers, included from the Forest Service, who ensure our nation’s forests remain places that benefit communities, climate, and biodiversity, and continue to be sources for clean air and water. The order sets in motion a series of efforts that, taken together, will make logging primacy on our nation’s publicly owned forests above all else.
In response to the news, The Wilderness Society issued the following statement:
“People deserve smart, science-driven solutions that truly protect their forests and communities, but don’t let it fool you – President Trump's forest executive order isn’t the solution. It’s a short-sighted giveaway for extractive industries that will result in destruction for the very places that provide us clean air, water, and sustain many local economies driven by tourism and recreation,” said Josh Hicks, Director of Conservation Campaigns at The Wilderness Society. "Leaders in Congress must stand up and oppose these far-reaching attacks and look to finding real solutions for our communities, wildlife, and public forests."
To speak with The Wilderness Society’s forest policy experts and scientists, contact edenny@tws.org
