Code of Forest Ethics
 
"A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." --Aldo Leopold

We find that:

The greatest threats to forest ecosystems are too many roads, clearcuts and damaged watersheds, not too many trees. These problems are a result of logging and road building, not the suppression of wildfire.

We subscribe to these principles:

All remaining roadless and unlogged areas must be preserved. The continued march into increasingly scarce native forest does not promote sustainability.

Watersheds which are below standards for water quality, fisheries, wildlife habitat and wildlife security must be brought up to all standards before further timber sales are contemplated.

Road obliteration and reclamation are the primary and most cost-effective ways to accomplish watershed recovery, protect fish and wildlife habitat and reestablish wildlife security.

Ecosystem restoration is a goal and process worthy of public investment. It also provides meaningful, well-paying jobs.

Timber sales neither provide reliable funds for restoration work, nor duplicate the natural role of wildfire. They shall not be promoted for such purposes.

Forest stewardship must be viewed and practiced as more than a kinder and gentler form of tree farming. In already damaged areas, it must begin with ecosystem restoration.

It must also recognize the essential role that dead trees play in the forest ecosystem.

Written By Keith Hammer .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

For more info call: 406-755-1369 This page is sponsored by the Swan View Coalition

This article published on July 07, 2011