One for the Woodlands
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The Clinton administration has made a critical and commendable move in deciding to junk its long-term plan for management of 10 national forests stretching more than 350 miles up and down the Sierra Nevada. It was absolutely the correct call.
An independent study team of 11 experts found that the U.S. Forest Service plan allowed levels of logging that were as much as 40% too high for the overall health of the environment; it also failed to protect the habitat of the spotted owl and other species.
The draft plan was released in 1995, but implementation was delayed following protest by environmentalists. Interim logging restrictions designed to protect the habitat of the spotted owl were developed then and will remain in force while the Forest Service starts on a new plan.
Timber interests are not pleased with the decision. But the severe degradation of the Sierra environment has been well documented. It is caused by logging as well as livestock grazing and real estate development.
Selective logging is proper, especially to rid the forests of fire hazards. But recreation has become the most important role of the forests in California, both socially and economically. Visitor demands will only increase in the future. In its recent decision, the Clinton administration happily did not fail to see the forest for the trees.
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