Think Green Live Clean

Photo Credit: Mariusz Chilmon

Celebration broke out last week in Oregon when forest lovers were informed that future excess logging plans (passed while Bush was in office) had been canceled. The Obama administration responded to several lawsuits filed by thirteen conservation and fishery protection organizations that fought against the Bush logging arrangement. The arrangement would have nearly quadrupled current logging on public lands in Oregon, and apparently illegally ignored requirements to protect endangered species living within the forests. Among these species, are the spotted owls that are still in danger, but are no longer facing such a high risk of becoming endangered.

Scientific studies influenced the decision to stop the plan for increased logging, as it was established that such damage would harm the water and small streams, wildlife, and contribute to the threat of global warming. The forests will once again be managed under the Northwest Forest Plan, which governed timber sales from 1994-2008.

The Obama administration has made a colossal stride in the direction of restoring and defending Oregon’s forest and wildlife. Unfortunately due to decades of unsustainable logging, we can no longer afford to lose vast amounts of forest. Technology has provided us with many alternative options to logging, now we must encourage this sustainable path forward and do all we can to protect what remains.

To read more check out the Sierra Club article.