Alert 6, August, 2022

Comes now, nationwide protection of Mature and Old Growth Forests

After years of advocacy for mature and old growth forests, we finally have the opportunity to give those forests real, nationwide protection, including our old growth forests.

Last year, on Earth Day, President Biden issued Executive order 14072, ( https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-04-27/pdf/2022-09138.pdf ) to the BLM, US Forest Service, and other federal land managers to define and inventory (map and count) mature and old growth trees on the land they manage. Their response is to propose rules that will change their management practices ( https://www.regulations.gov/document/BLM-2023-0001-0001 and https://www.regulations.gov/document/FS-2023-0006-0002 )

If you have never commented on proposed federal actions, now is the time. Your comments will matter. In your own words, make these points:

Mature and old growth forests deserve equal treatment as the other multiple uses mandated on public lands.
Mature and old growth forests absorb and hold onto significant climate changing carbon. For free.
Mature and old growth forests are rapidly disappearing from needless logging.
Mature and old growth forests provide habitat for endangered plants and animals.
Mature and old growth forests protect threatened and endangered fish.
Mature and old growth forests have evolved to be highly resistant to fire.
Mature and old growth forests support the tourist and recreation economy for those seeking relief from the stresses of modern life.
These rules will provide the protection necessary to keep these vital forests intact.

At your next opportunity, go to https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/FS-2023-0006-0002 or https://www.regulations.gov/commenton/BLM-2023-0001-0001 to submit your comments.

We are keeping a tally of comments. Please let us know you have commented by replying to this Alert.

Thank you for making a difference.

For more information, go to: https://www.climate-forests.org/take-action