To the Editor:

As the U.S. Forest Service proceeds through the plan revision for the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests, it is a good time to reflect on the role that forest management can play in protecting environmental values while enhancing our regional economy. One example of how environmental values and our regional economy can both be improved is through integrated forest management that incorporates and restores mixed age stands and creates early successional habitat that is lacking throughout the region. Such a strategy would provide a sustainable source of harvestable trees for the local timber industry, and also provide unique habitat settings for a wide variety of native wildlife species such as ruffed grouse and some songbirds. 

Though the current Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests Management Plan covers 1,040,000 acres, only 800-900 acres have actually been logged annually over the last 10 to 15 years. More frequent harvests in targeted areas can be a valuable tool for increasing the pace and scale of restoration. 

Forest management at optimum levels will require staff resources within the U.S. Forest Service that are currently not available. Budget cuts continue to reduce staff numbers, and the remaining staff are increasingly needed for other duties, including wildfire control outside the region in various areas around the country. We need a forest management plan that addresses both economic and environmental issues, but it should be administered by an agency with the capacity to follow through and implement the strategies that are ultimately approved. 

I encourage everyone to visit the Forest Service’s website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/nfsnc/home/?cid=STELPRDB5397660 and learn about the forest management planning process and how you can be involved. There is a lot at stake for the economy and the environment.

Jason Love

WNC Public Lands Council