Feather River Action!

A US District Court judge recently ruled in favor of the Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center that a full EIS must be prepared on a wildfire prevention-justified logging project in Oregon. See recent legal ruling below, in particular the bolded sections below from judge’s decision. The science is clear that thinning can act as a barrier to species migration esp. those species like the spotted owl who depend on dense forest. It is not credible to state that there is no controversy around this, as the Forest Service claims.

 

P. 28-29 Judge Clarke’s Recommendations and Findings:

” When presented to the public, the IVM Program received deep public disapproval and skepticism during its comment phase: Neighbors and advocates disputed the lack of transparency and site-specific analysis, as well as the nature of the Program, which sacrifices habitats for commercial logging. AS and KS Plaintiffs presented substantial evidence that BLM’s chosen logging prescriptions would not have the intended effect and would instead exacerbate fire issues. For example, some studies found that treatments like Open and Intermediate, which create open conditions through thinned portions of forests stands and rely on regeneration, not only remove the habitat and connectivity that is required for NSO survival, but those treatments have also been found to create highly flammable young stocks interspersed throughout the thinned units. Another study found that the regrowth and replanting required in younger plantation stands will eliminate the effort to mimic past fire regimes, and the gap openings will increase fire hazard in these stands. Other research concurred that open conditions and more intensive forest management can lead to accelerated levels of fire severity in this region specifically, and that thinning and group selection openings may indirectly increase surface wind gusts and temperatures, increasing severity of surface fire behavior.

You can read the judge’s ruling here.

John Muir Project Action Alert: Your voice is needed to protect our forests and communities! Please take action now to urge your Representative to oppose HR 8790, the ‘Fix Our Forests’ Act.

What’s at Stake?

HR 8790, introduced by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Scott Peters (D-CA), is a logging bill in disguise that would:

Increase Wildfire Risks: Contrary to its claims, this bill promotes unchecked logging under the guise of “thinning,” which has been shown to increase wildfire risks. Recent tragedies in Ruidoso, New Mexico, and northern California highlight the dangers of this approach.

Undermine Environmental Protections: The bill would weaken critical safeguards like the Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act, jeopardizing forest ecosystems.

Limit Public Accountability: HR 8790 restricts judicial review and excludes public input on crucial forest management decisions, favoring industry interests over sustainable practices and community resilience.

 

Why Oppose HR 8790?

Protect Forest Ecosystems: Our forests are vital for biodiversity, climate stability, and community health.

Promote Effective Wildfire Prevention: Evidence-based strategies like home hardening and community-centered efforts are more effective and sustainable.

Ensure Transparency and Accountability: Public input and judicial review are essential for responsible forest management.

 

How Can You Help?

Contact Your Representative: Click here———> Action Alert to urge your Representative to oppose HR 8790.

Spread the Word: Share this alert with your friends, family, and social networks to amplify our collective voice.

Engage with Local Environmental Groups: Join efforts to support sustainable forest management and oppose harmful legislation.