The Biden administration is moving forward with a plan to restrict logging in old-growth forests that are increasingly at risk due to climate change. A government analysis obtained by The Associated Press reveals that exceptions will be made for logging in order to make forests less susceptible to wildfires. Forest Service Deputy Chief Chris French emphasized the need for proactive management to protect against wildfires, insects, and diseases, as well as to ensure the longevity of old-growth forests.
While the proposed exceptions for logging are aimed at protecting communities and reducing wildfire risks, they are likely to face opposition from the timber industry and Republicans in Congress. French downplayed the impact on timber companies, stating that old-growth timber sales are minimal. The U.S. timber industry has seen a decline in employment over the years, with much of the work shifting to private and state lands. The proposed changes represent a shift for the Forest Service, which historically promoted logging, and are expected to be finalized before President Biden’s term ends in January.
The issue of old-growth forests has sparked debate over what constitutes old-growth and how these trees should be managed. These forests, such as the giant sequoia stands in Northern California, are important for storing carbon and preserving biodiversity. Wildfires have posed a significant threat to old-growth forests, with thousands of giant sequoias being killed in recent years. While most old-growth forests have been lost to logging, pockets of ancient trees remain across the U.S., including in California, the Pacific Northwest, and Alaska.
A recent report highlighted the threats to old-growth forests, with wildfires, insects, and disease identified as the main killers of old-growth trees since 2000. Logging on federal lands accounted for a small fraction of the losses compared to natural causes. Industry representatives argue that further restrictions on logging are unnecessary, while environmentalists are calling for stronger protections for old-growth and mature forests. The Biden administration’s proposal has been praised as a step in the right direction but deemed insufficient by some advocates.
Environmentalists are urging the administration to expand protections for mature forests to ensure the continued growth of old-growth forests. Under the Trump administration, efforts were made to open up large areas of West Coast forests to potential logging, which were later reversed due to faulty science. As the debate over old-growth logging continues, it remains to be seen how the Biden administration will navigate the complex issues surrounding forest management and conservation.
