National Forests

In “One for the Woodlands” (editorial, Nov. 24) The Times stated, “Selective logging is proper, especially to rid the forests of fire hazards.”

Logging doesn’t prevent forest fires, it causes them. A congressionally commissioned scientific study of the Sierra Nevada last year concluded that “more than any other human activity, logging has increased the risk and severity of fires by removing the cooling shade of trees and leaving flammable debris.”

How many people actually believe that the logging corporations are clear-cutting our national forests in order to prevent forest fires? The timber industry knows that the American people oppose logging on national forests. The only way they can continue this destructive practice is to mislead the people. Until we end the timber sales program on our public lands, we will never be safe from these ruses.

AMY MAIER