The U.S. Forest Service is planning massive destruction of 900 square miles of healthy forest land in Eastern Oregon. Timber cut from the Umatilla, Wallowa-Whitman and Ochoco national forests in Oregon will destroy some 600 square miles, with an additional 300 square miles of forest land set into flames for deliberate burning.
Animals might not be able to escape the fires due to the method of gasoline poured around the perimeter. Animals in the 300 square miles could be burned to death.
Logging from the three forests will constitute one of the largest timber sales in the United States since 1905, when national forests were established.
Emails for public comment must be received by the U.S. Forest Service no later than April 5. Emails should include the names of the three forests at issue: the Umatilla National Forest, the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and the Ochoco National Forest. Send your email to r6restorationprojects@fs.fed.us or comment online at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/forestresiliencyprojectcomments.
