Forestry Bill

AB 860, the forestry reform bill currently sitting on Gov. Pete Wilson’s desk, fails to achieve--in two essential respects--a necessary balance between forest conservation and continued timber productivity (editorial, “Saving Forests--and Timber Industry Too,” Oct. 2).

First, it imposes on timber harvesting arbitrary, prescribed limits that are anathema to sound forestry practice. The governor, conversely, favors science-based forest management in order that unique environmental conditions be considered in forestry decision-making.

Additionally, AB 860 contains insufficient provision for the protection of those communities, particularly along the North Coast, that would suffer severe economic hardship as a result of the new harvesting restrictions. However, responsible conservation does not have to be achieved at the expense of jobs.

The differences that have perpetuated the timber wars can be worked out. The Wilson Administration seeks to build upon the progress of the recent months’ negotiations and will continue to work aggressively to achieve responsible forestry reform.

DOUGLAS P. WHEELER

Secretary for Resources

Sacramento