We are asking our representatives to write a new forest plan. They are required to write a new plan every 10 to 15 years and the old one is 16 years old. Their management practices are outdated.
Why is this important?
The U.S. Forest Service has announced they will "cut and leave" AND "burn" 3,600 acres of mature forest in the Mark Twain National Forest, in the Roaring River area. This is a management practice that is being used all over the country. They plan to create a stark "glade," destroying the existing habitat. They will be burning every 3 to 5 years in perpetuity. This will displace or kill all existing animals and plants.
Carbon sequestration must be included in the new plan. Our forests are the greatest terrestrial carbon sink on the planet. The trees are already doing the job that scientists are struggling to accomplish.
To our Representatives, we ask that you seriously consider “The 2015 Climate Initiative” by Tom Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture and adopt its suggestions into our US Forest plan.
The time is NOW to reevaluate the way our National Forests are being managed.
(Correction, the old plan isn't 16 years old, it is from 2005 and it is very much outdated.)
