13 Reasons to End Logging of our Publicly Owned Forests & Watersheds

1) PUBLIC LANDS BELONG TO THE PEOPLE:
Public lands belong to all Americans and to future generations. Our American natural heritage should not be liquidated for the short-term profit of private corporations. Yet, nearly 40 million acres of our national forest lands have already been destroyed by logging.
2) 95% OF AMERICA'S NATIVE FORESTS HAVE ALREADY BEEN CUT:
Less than 5% of America's original forest cover remains, and it's almost entirely on public lands. (National Geographic, Sept. 1990) Native forests play an important role in creating topsoil and minimizing erosion, abating floods, preventing droughts, and cleansing the air. Native forests moderate the climate and are a major source of medicines. The National Forests system also provides over half of this nation's remaining wildlife habitat. (Brown, Les, et. al. World Watch Institute, "State of the World", 1991).
3) ONLY A FRACTION OF OUR TIMBER SUPPLY COMES FROM PUBLIC LANDS:
Only 12.3% of the United States' timber supply comes from our National Forests. ("Forest Resources of the United States, 1992" Powell, Faulkner, et. al. U.S. Forest Service General Technical Report RM-234, Sept. 1993). It's a lot less now.
4) WE WASTE FOUR TIMES THE AMOUNT OF WOOD CUT FROM PUBLIC LANDS:
One out of every two trees cut in this country from private and public lands is wasted through inefficient utilization and lack of recycling. (Postel, Sandra & John C. Ryan, "Reforming Forestry" State of the World, 1991). Just eliminating this waste would save four times the amount cut on public forests. Despite the existence of alternative pulp fibers such as straw, bamboo hemp, and kenaf, about half of all trees cut in the US and the world each year are turned into paper products. Fifty percent of the volume in our nation's landfills is reusable but otherwise wasted wood and paper fiber.
5) DIRECT SUBSIDIES COST TAXPAYERS BILLIONS:
The public lands logging program operates at a net loss of nearly $1 billion of taxpayer money each year. Taxpayers, not industry, pay for timber sale administration, logging road construction, replanting, restoration, and related costs. From 1980 to 1991, the U-S. Forest Service timber program operated at a net loss of $7.3 billion (Hearing before the Environment, Energy & Natural Resources Subcomm., Comm. on Governmental Operations; testimony of Congressional Research staff member R. Wolf).
6) INDIRECT SUBSIDIES ARE IGNORED AND PASSED ON TO THE PUBLIC.
The replacement cost of a forest hundreds or thousands of years old is incalculable yet fraudulently ignored by the Forest Service. Ancillary damage to our watersheds, community water supplies, fisheries, and to the tourism and recreation industries are also immeasurably large yet ignored. As is the cost of aggravated flood damage caused by logging steep slopes and sensitive watersheds: water damage, landslides which demolish buildings and roads, and other property and insurance losses. These are literally down-stream costs simply passed on to the public and ignored. In April 1996, the Forest Service issued a report which predicts that, by the year 2000, recreation, hunting and fishing on National Forests will contribute over 30 times more to the national economy than the National Forest subsidized logging program which destroys those values.
7) JOBS NEED NOT BE LOST:
If even a portion of the billions of dollars currently spent directly and indirectly subsidizing the logging of public lands were redirected into forest and watershed restoration, tens of thousands of. people could be employed restoring our forests and watersheds, rivers and streams, rather than destroying them. Not one net job needs to be lost.
8) OVERCUTTING, AUTOMATION AND EXPORTS ARE THE PRIMARY CAUSES OF TIMBER INDUSTRY EMPLOYMENT DECLINE:
Between 1979 and 1988, while logging levels increased, more than 26,000 timber jobs disappeared. In 1979 it took almost five workers to produce one million board feet of timber. By 1990, due to automation, it took only three workers to produce the same amount (Washington and Oregon. Sate Dept. of Employment, 1991). In the Southeast, new chip mills can consume 200 square miles of forest in three years, while employing as few as 4-12 workers per shift. In the Northwest, nearly half of all wood that is cut is exported raw or minimal processed (U.S. Commerce Dept.). In Washington State, the world leader in raw log exports, every million board feet shipped overseas takes 7 direct jobs and 14 indirect jobs with it. (WA Dept. of Employment Security, "Impacts on Employment of Timber Supply Declines", 1990).
9) CITIES DEMAND WATERSHED PROTECTION:
Last winter, Oregon's capital, Salem, had its watershed so badly damaged by excessive logging that siltation rendered its water supply unusable by business and private consumers for a month. Water treatment facilities were unable to process the tons of mud and debris washing down from clearcut slopes. Likewise, the city of Portland has asked the Forest Service to stop logging its water source - the Bull Run Watershed - out of concern for the region's rapid growth and the quality and quantity of the water available to support it. Among other concerns, the city did not wish to build an expensive water filtration plant to counter sedimentation from clearcutting. Portland even sponsored federal legislation to protect its watershed.
10) DEVASTATED FISHERIES THREATEN THOUSANDS OF JOBS:
Logging threatens commercial and sports fishing by destroying fish habitat. The Columbia River system once boasted yearly migrations of 20 million salmon. The numbers are now down to less than two million. Sixty thousand jobs in the commercial fishing industry have been impacted. The sports fishing industry accounts for $28 billion of annual economic benefit. Logging sedimentation smothers spawning beds; erosion and landslides destroy trout streams; and clearcuts raise the temperature of once-shaded streams killing fish. '
11) PRIVATE LAND OWNERS BENEFIT FROM ELIMINATING GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED COMPETITION:
Publicly-subsidized federal timber sales suppress domestic wood prices and compete directly against the private sector, causing today's wood prices to be lower than they were in 1970 dollars. What private land owner can sell 250-year old trees for under $2 each, as the Forest Service did in Alaska? Ending logging on public lands will increase the value of private timberlands. "Mills gross more but cut less timber as restrictions push ahead log values." (Oregonian 8.24.94 Oregon Leads Lumber Production). This means that private owners could have an incentive to cut less but make more money, liquidating less of their inventory. The opportunity to realize higher returns may also provide an incentive for sound ecological management of private timberlands.
12) THE PUBLIC SUPPORTS AN END TO LOGGING OF NATIONAL FORESTS:
A nationwide poll conducted by the U.S. Forest Service found that 58% of Americans who expressed an opinion support ending all industrial resource extraction on public lands. ("Forest Service Values Poll Questions, Results and Analysis", USDA by Kaset Intl, Section 3). Polls repeatedly show that Americans are strongly in favor of more, not less, environmental protection. Even a Republican poll conducted for Newt Gingrich found that the public prefers "more environmental regulations" over "cutting regulation" by a margin of 2-1. (1996 Poll by Linda DeVall)
13) REPEATED LAWLESSNESS MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE TO TRUST FEDERAL AGENCIES:
The public land agencies have demonstrated an inability or unwillingness to obey environmental laws. In 1991, federal Judge William Dwyer, in a legal opinion, accused federal land agencies of a "systematic and deliberate refusal" to comply with environmental laws. The agencies' willingness to ignore, and indeed encourage and cover-up timber theft is legendary and has been widely reported.

THE TIME HAS COME

Even the timber industry is starting to accept that the public lands logging program is a dead horse. Senator Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, proclaimed on the Senate floor (4.25.96), "It looks as though the Sierra Club's position [Zero Cut] will be achieved by the year 2000: no timber production from national forests." Even Plum Creek Timber Co. President Rick R. Holley acknowledged that logging would end soon on federal public lands, calling it "an acknowledgment of a trend." ("Timber Executive Says Federal Harvests May End", Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1/12/95).

The facts are clear. Fiscal responsibility and ecological necessity mandate an end to public-land logging. The Native Forest Council is working to introduce Zero-Cut legislation in Congress. To support this effort please contact your representatives and the Native Forest Council, PO Box 2190, Eugene, OR 97402. (541) 688-2600, fax 689-9835, email: forestcouncil.org.

10/16/97

Sierra Club Report Shows Federal Timber Sales Lost $800 Million

Sierra Club has released a report which, using the Forest Service's own figures, establishes that the Forest Service timber sales program on national forests operated at a net loss to taxpayers of at least $791 million in fiscal year 1996 -- and didn't return a dime to the U.S. Treasury.

This huge economic loss represents the largest annual loss to taxpayers from the federal timber sales program documented to date.

"There is simply no justification for having a timber sales program on our national forests, " said Chad Hanson, the report's author and a national Sierra Club director. "We could literally employ more people by ending this wasteful program and redirecting timber subsidies into worker retraining and ecological restoration," he said, adding, "Why are we paying logging corporations $800 million each year to destroy our national forests?"

Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) will soon be introducing the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act, which will end the timber sales program on federal public lands and redirect logging subsidies into worker retraining, ecological restoration (with a hiring preference for dislocated timber workers), payments for counties, and deficit reduction.

Below is a short summary of the report and synopsis of the legislation:

ENDING THE TIMBER SALES PROGRAM ON NATIONAL FORESTS: THE FACTS

This report analyzes the issues surrounding an end to the timber sales program on national forests. Among the findings are the following:

For immediate release, October 30, 1997
Contact: Debbie Lukas, Wildlife Chair Oregon Chapter Sierra Club (541)592-3386;
George Hutchinson, Forestry Chair Rogue Group Sierra Club (541)770-3191

Federal Chainsaw Massacre To End!
Bill Introduced in House to End Federal Timber Program

In a move to protect what habitat remains on National Forests and other federal public lands, Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-GA) will introduce the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act ("NFPRA") into Congress on Friday October 31, 1997. The bill will end the timber sales program in National Forests, Bureau of Land Management lands, and National Wildlife Refuges nationwide, phasing it out over two years. NFPRA will redirect timber subsidies into worker retraining, ecological restoration (with a hiring preference for dislocated timber workers), and deficit reduction.

"This marks the end of a century of abuse on our national forests," remarked Oregon Chapter Sierra Club Wildlife Chair Debbie Lukas.

Timber sales began on National Forests a century ago, in 1897, when Congress authorized commercial logging in the system of National Forests. "For one hundred years timber companies have been allowed to profit by logging on public forest lands. This has caused irreparable damage to our ancient forests, leaving only a fraction of the native forest which once flourished in the Pacific Northwest. We have lost wildlife habitat and water quality, pushing many species to the edge of extinction," said Lukas.

The Sierra Club has issued a report (see above) which, using the Forest Service's figures, establishes that there is no justification for having a timber sales program on our National Forests. The report shows that the timber program operated at a net loss to taxpayers of at least $791 million in 1996--failing to return one cent to the General Fund of the Treasury. It also found that the annual timber yield from National Forests now comprises less than 4% of the nation's total annual wood consumption.

"It is time for the timber sales program on public lands to stop. Timber companies are profiting at the cost of the American public and healthy ecosystems" said George Hutchinson, Forestry Chair for the Rogue Group Sierra Club. "We urge Congress to support this long overdue but vital measure to stop the irresponsible destruction of our remaining national forest lands."

The National Forest Protection and Restoration Act (NFPRA):

Bill Summary of the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act of 1997:

Introduction:
To save taxpayer money, reduce the deficit, cut corporate welfare, and protect and restore America's natural heritage, the Act eliminates the commercial logging program on federal public lands and assists communities dependent on this program with economic recovery and diversification.
Section 1.
Short Title; Table of Contents. The Act is titled the National Forest Protection and Restoration Act of 1997.
Section 2. Definitions.
Federal public lands affected by the Act are defined as lands in the National Forest System, the National Wildlife Refuge System and under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The definitions of "commercial logging" and "timber sales" includes the offering of standing, fallen, living, or dead timber for sale for any purpose, excluding permits under the personal use programs of the Forest Service or the BLM.
Section 3. Findings.
As support for this Act, Congress finds that: Americans do not support use of Federal public lands for commercial goods; recreation and tourism generates 30 times more jobs and income than commercial logging; timber from public lands accounts for less than 5% of U.S. annual timber consumption; the majority of remaining pristine forests are on Federal public lands; bold action is needed to protect America's natural heritage; the timber program results in an enormous net loss to taxpayers annually; existing federal law already ensures historic payment levels to timber-oriented counties in Oregon, Washington, and California through 2003; forests provide significant watershed benefits; commercial logging damages watersheds, fishing and recreation; studies demonstrate that commercial logging increases the risk and severity of fires in places like the Sierra Nevada; and Americans' watersheds should be protected to prevent damaging and deadly floods.
Section 4. Prohibition on Timber Sales to Protect Federal Public Lands.
Upon enactment, no commercial logging shall occur and no timber sales shall be prepared, advertised, offered or awarded on Federal public lands. The gathering of wood for personal, non-commercial use under existing agency permit programs is not prohibited, provided that such gathering is consistent with the restoration provisions of Section 7. The effect of this section on existing timber sale contracts is covered in Section 5. This section also directs that nothing in the Act be construed to affect any treaty with any Native American tribe.
Section 5. Effect of Prohibition on Existing Timber Sale Contracts.
This section directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to immediately suspend timber sales being undertaken pursuant to the Clearcut Rider (Section 2001 of Public Law 104-19) or located in any roadless area. Roadless areas are defined in Section 2. as inventoried roadless areas, areas of 5000 contiguous acres containing 0.5 mi. or less of improved road per 1000 acres, and areas adjacent to existing wilderness or national parks with 0.5 mi. or less of improved road per 1000 acres. Other timber sale contracts are subject to a 2-year phase out period. At the end of 2 years, any remaining timber sales shall also be suspended and no further commercial logging shall occur anywhere on Federal public lands. With respect to all suspended timber sales, the Act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to exercise contract provisions for early termination and payment of damages or to terminate contracts in order to protect the environment from adverse effects. Claims against the federal government for contract termination are subject to the Contract Disputes Act of 1978. The Act authorizes payment based upon judgments or agreement to be made from appropriated funds, by forgiving federal loans or loan guarantees, or by transferring funds from specified Forest Service and BLM timber and road program accounts.
Section 6. Authorization of Appropriations.
This section directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to determine the average annual amount appropriated from the General Fund for the commercial logging program and related activities over the 5 years preceding enactment. This amount is referred to as "the logging subsidy." The Act authorizes an appropriation of funds necessary to implement its provisions in the years subsequent to enactment, in an amount not to exceed 1/3 of the logging subsidy described above. Not more than 10% of the funds appropriated to implement the restoration provisions in Section 7. or the worker retraining program in Section 8. may be spent on the administration of those programs.
Section 7. Natural Heritage Restoration.
Natural Heritage Restoration Corps This section directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to establish a Natural Heritage Restoration Corps (Corps). This Corps will work to restore logged areas on Federal public lands through activities such as revegetation, prescribed burning, stabilizing soils, road removal, and removal of barriers to fish migration. The Act directs the Corps to give preference to dislocated timber workers when hiring personnel or private contractors for its restoration work. Natural Heritage Restoration Plans This section directs the Secretary of Interior to appoint a committee of independent scientists in each Forest Service region to recommend an effective interdisciplinary approach to restoration on that region's Federal public lands. Advice from these scientific committees will guide the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior in establishing specific restoration goals for each region with a schedule for achieving these goals and in developing regional standards, guidelines, and procedures for restoration. Together with the specified activities of the Corps, these regional standards, guidelines, and procedures constitute the Natural Heritage Restoration Plan for each region. The restoration goals and completion schedule for each region must be completed no later than 1 year after enactment. The Natural Heritage Restoration Plans must be completed 1.5 years after enactment and must be incorporated into all Federal land management plans no later than 2 years after enactment. All aspects of the Natural Heritage Restoration Plans are subject to the public participation requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). While the Natural Heritage Restoration Plans are developed, the Act directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to implement prescribed burning and slash disposal where necessary to reduce fire risk and shall implement efforts to stabilize soils where necessary to prevent or reduce further erosion and land slides. Except where prohibited by Section 4. and Section 5., existing land management plans and agency policy or guidance remain in effect until amended by the Natural Heritage Restoration Plans.
Section 8. Worker Retraining.
This section authorizes the Secretary of Labor to make grants to provide training, adjustment assistance, employment services, and needs-related payments to dislocated timber workers. Priority for distribution of such grants will be given to areas with the most eligible dislocated workers. Eligibility criteria and determinations are made by the Secretary of Labor, who is directed by the Act to prescribe regulations to carry out this worker retraining provision within 180 days of enactment. Generally, grants may be used for purposes consistent with the Job Training Partnership Act. Adjustment assistance provides reimbursement of up to 90% of the cost of necessary job search expenses. Relocation allowances offer up to 90% of moving expenses plus the equivalent of 3 weeks average prior pay. Eligibility for such allowances are made by the Secretary of Labor, and neither adjustment or relocation allowances may exceed $1200 without specific justification and approval. Needs-related payments include payments to assist with training or education programs. To qualify for needs-related payments, an individual must not qualify for unemployment, must enroll in the program within a specified period of time, and must attend the program. The amount of needs-related payments equals the applicable level of unemployment compensation or the official poverty level, whichever is higher.
Section 9. Allocation of Funds.
Timber salvage, Knutson-Vandenberg, and Purchaser-Elect Roads program funds are redirected toward implementation of the Act, including worker retraining. In addition to implementation of other provisions of the Act, these funds are directed toward continuing revenue sharing payments to counties. The revenue sharing payments continue at their 1996 level through 2003, except to Oregon, Washington, and California counties which are guaranteed payments through 2003 under existing federal law. If the money in the funds falls below $380 million prior to 2003, the revenue sharing payments commitment to counties will be paid from the General Fund. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) receives $1-3 million from the funds described above to investigate environmentally sound wood-free alternative products for paper and construction. One year following enactment, the EPA will make grant recommendations for entities developing or producing such products and may distribute up to $30 million in grants during the 3 years subsequent to enactment. When no funds remain in the timber salvage, Knutson-Vandenberg, and Purchaser Elect Roads program accounts, they are abolished. If funds remain in these accounts 4 years after enactment, the funds are deposited into the General Fund.

National Forest Protection and Restoration Act makes sense because:

Our National Forests are far more valuable for their natural heritage of clear lakes and streams, habitat for fish and wildlife, and great natural beauty than they are for use by private industry as commercial wood lots. Commercial timber production is not the best use of national forest land, especially when over 95% of our country's original ancient forests have been logged already -- and what remains is almost entirely found on federal lands.