A "Whopper" for Oregon Forests
pogo, 15.10.2007 16:21
Join KS Wild the Oregon Heritage Forests campaign for a presentation on the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) plans to dramatically increase clearcut logging in currently protected old-growth and streamside forests on public lands stretching from the Willamette to the Rogue Valley. Learn about the proposal, its implications, and a community alternative that protects old-growth and provides for a stable timber supply. The evening will focus on tips and suggestions for letter-writing in the 90-day public commenting period that ends November, 9, 2007.
Oregon Clear Cut
** Oregon Heritage Forests: An evening on the BLM's "Whopper"
*Tuesday**, October 16th, 7pm, Old Lincoln Elementary, 320 Beach
Street, Ashland
Listen to Monday's Brain Labor Report with Lesley Adams of KS Wild and a discussion of BLM’s Western Oregon Plan Revision which threatens to open 2.5 million acres for clear cut. Also a brief history of the Timber Wars and O&C Act of 1937.
http://www.kskq.org/audio-archive/blr/blr20071015.mp3
What is the WOPR?
The BLM is currently revising its management plans for western Oregon and proposes to triple logging levels by removing and weakening important environmental protections. Rather than generate broad community support by focusing management in previously logged areas, the BLM wants to log more old-growth in Oregon's heritage forests.
On August 10th, the BLM released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Western Oregon Plan Revisions (WOPR). The WOPR is a key part of a 2003 legal settlement between the timber industry and Bush Administration to do away with old growth forest reserves, clean water safeguards and other protections established by the landmark Northwest Forest Plan.
There is much at stake for Oregonians' outdoor, clean water and wildlife heritage. The nearly 2.6 million acres covered by the WOPR encompass much of Oregon's last, remaining old growth forests, Wild and Scenic rivers, municipal drinking water supplies for cities and towns, some of the state's most prized fishing and hunting grounds and habitat for myriad rare and imperiled species, including all five species of Pacific salmon. The WOPR also proposes to designate 10 new "Off-Highway-Vehicle Emphasis Areas" in southwest Oregon, including the controversial Johns Peak/Timbered Mountain proposal outside of Jacksonville.
A Better Way Forward
Oregonians don't have to choose between a healthy timber industry and their old-growth forest heritage. The vast majority of the public who commented on WOPR in "scoping" asked the BLM to protect all remaining
old-growth and focus management in thinning existing plantations. Many Oregon forest managers are already moving beyond the conflicts of the past. By focusing on previously logged public forestlands they are providing wood to local mills while actually improving conditions for fish and wildlife and keeping saws out of old growth forests. Additionally, our public lands should be managed for the various values they provide, including economic revenue from tourism and recreation, as well as ecological services such as water filtration, air purification, soil stabilization and climate control.
Contribute Your Voice to the Future of Public Forests
It is disappointing that at a time when public consensus for old-growth protection and second-growth thinning has never been stronger, the BLM
is proposing to clearcut forests older than our nation and turn complex
ecosystems into tree plantations most susceptible to severe wildfire.
But it doesn't have to be this way. Please join us to learn, discuss,
take action and speak up for the future of BLM forests and rivers.
For more information, visit www.oregonheritageforests.org
http://www.oregonheritageforests.org/ or contact Lesley at 488-5789
Homepage:: http://www.oregonheritageforests.org
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BLM Extends WOPR Comment Period to Dec. 10 15.10.2007 - 18:27 Due to public pressure, the Bureau of Land Management recently extended the public comment period for the Western Oregon Plan Revision (WOPR) to December 10, 2007. Please take a moment and submit a comment on this proposal that will open up old-growth and streamside reserves on western Oregon BLM lands to clearcutting and ramp up logging by three-fold in the region. FULL STORY HERE: http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2007/10/366805.shtml
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