Barbara Shields of Eugene urged on Apr. 14 that Congress enact permanent legislative protections for old-growth and mature forests on Bureau of Land Management land in western Oregon. In her letter, Shields said recent federal actions could increase logging to levels seen in the 1960s across 2.5 million acres of ecologically important forests.
Shields highlighted concerns about a bill in the House of Representatives, H.R. 7603, which she said would make timber production the main purpose of these lands while placing less importance on wildlife, water, and recreation.
She called on residents to contact their senators and representatives to oppose both increased logging plans and H.R. 7603, as well as support legislation that would provide lasting protection for old-growth areas on federal public land.
Shields also recognized U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for their leadership, including a recent request to extend the public comment period regarding these policies. “We need to thank them for that support and ask them to go further and reintroduce old-growth protection legislation like Wyden’s previous O&C bill,” Shields said.
She argued that such legislation is needed now more than ever because “these forests filter drinking water, sustain salmon runs, store enormous amounts of carbon and belong to every American.” Shields encouraged readers seeking more information to follow More Than Just Parks on Substack.
