01/29/04

This project will salvage dead trees from the 2002 arson Apple fire in the North Umpqua Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest. Alternative 6 will salvage log mature and old-growth forests, mostly dead trees killed in the fire. (The only live trees logged will be "incidental", that is, cut when they stand in the way of building new roads or yarding corridors).

On most of the units (and on all of the big Douglas fir old-growth units), only four (4) trees per acre will be left. Two of those trees will be cut down to provide soil nutrients, and two (2) will be left standing for wildlife. Just two.

Umpqua Watersheds had wanted more dead trees left in the salvage units to better emulate natural processes, which uses dead trees to provide soil nutrients for a healthier future forest. The dead trees also provide a pulse of wildlife habitat for numerous bird and terrestrial species. The Forest Service considered our preferences in Alternative 5, which would leave 50% of the dead trees and log 50% of the dead trees from the salvage units. In fact, this is the most scientifically supported alternative for wildlife and soils, while still extracting some economic benefits.

Other choices given:

Alternative 2 does not log on unsuitable soils or in Riparian Reserves, but it does not leave enough dead trees behind to provide for wildlife and soil nutrients. It leaves only about 6 trees per acre.

Alternative 4 proposes logging in Riparian Reserves and on fragile and unsuitable soils.

Alternative 5 is the best alternative, leaving 50% of the dead trees.

Alternative 3 is the next best because it leaves 15 of the largest trees per acre, more than twice as much as Alternative 2 and 4, and more than three times as much as Alternative 6.

* Alternative 2, 4 and 6 are unacceptable salvage proposals because it leaves too few trees behind to help replenish the fragile, burned soils.

* Alternative 5 is the best alternative. It is economically viable because the Forest Service used watershed restoration money (from the Resource Advisory Committees) to cruise and mark this timber sale. That restoration money should help restore these burned forests by leaving 50% of the dead wood in the salvage units. Alternative 3 is the next best choice.

A Rotten Apple Deal

By early August, 2002, the lightening-caused Tiller fires had been burning for almost a month, burning cool and low in the Spotted Owl Reserves (LSRs) and the Roadless Areas that were off-limits to logging, even salvage logging. The mosaic burn pattern was natural and beneficial for these fire-dependent forests.

Then something unnatural happened. A human drove up Panther Creek road 4714 above the Apple Creek campground, and started a fire. He started the fire in the best weather conditions, the best place, the best time, to cause the most damage to old-growth forests that were not protected from logging, especially salvage logging. Accidental and industrial causes have been ruled out. But after 16 months an investigation (closed to the public) is still "in progress" with no end in sight and no further information released.

What has progressed instead is the proposal to salvage log the defoliated old-growth trees, leaving as little as 2 snags per acre standing in the logging units for wildlife habitat and future soil capital. Called 'Baked Apple', the Forest Service analyzed six alternatives based on dozens of public meetings with hundreds of scoping comments. The vast majority of comments received by the Forest Service asked for safe and moderate salvage logging, protecting our future resources by leaving 50% of the burned trees, and selling 50%. Known as the 'Beschta' alternative (alternative 5), it has received the most scientific credibility. But in spite of the public's wishes, the Umpqua National Forest chose alternative 6.

Umpqua Watersheds appealed this project because it leaves too few trees, inside of the clearcut units, for soil health and for wildlife needs.


Though the 'official' public comment period ended, you can still write a letter any time before the final decision (likely in April 2004).