For over a decade, stakeholder groups within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and throughout the Pacific Northwest have been working with the Forest Service on projects that try to balance competing needs and values. It’s not always easy, but by discussing controversial topics up front and openly, these conversations often lead to projects that move forward more quickly, with fewer legal challenges, and provide the maximum benefit to all parties.
A bill being considered by the House of Representatives, the so-called “Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017,” threatens the years of progress made by these diverse collaborative participants. This extreme bill would restrict public involvement in timber sales on national forest lands and contains changes to federal laws that would hinder the spirit of our pioneering collaboration in the Pacific Northwest’s beautiful forests.
As more people move to the Northwest to enjoy our public lands, communication is key to striking a balance that provides for those who were here before. Please call on your congressional representative and urge her to oppose HR 2396. Silencing the varied voices of the Gifford Pinchot, who have come together all of these years, is a dangerous move for the economy, environment and recreation.
