RRI Urges Stronger Protections for Old Growth Forests

The Resource Renewal Institute (RRI), as part of the Power in Nature coalition, has submitted comments on the U.S. Forest Service's National Old Growth Amendment Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The coalition is calling for significantly stronger protections for the nation's remaining old-growth forests.

In our comment letter, the Power in Nature Coalition expressed deep concerns about the current direction of the DEIS. We argue that the preferred alternative (Alternative 2) falls short of providing meaningful protection for old-growth trees and forests. One of the primary issues highlighted is the excessive discretion given to local agencies, which could potentially allow for continued commercial logging of these essential trees. The coalition also points out that the proposed amendments lack clear, unambiguous language to prevent the cutting of old-growth trees, leaving room for interpretations that could harm these invaluable forest ecosystems.

To address these shortcomings, the Power in Nature coalition is advocating for several crucial changes in the final policy. We are calling for a complete end to the cutting of old-growth trees in national forests, with no exceptions for commercial purposes. The coalition also emphasizes the need to establish robust policies to protect mature trees and forests, recognizing their potential to become the old growth of the future. Additionally, we are pushing for the implementation of strong biennial monitoring and accountability measures to ensure the effective identification, mapping, management, and protection of both current and future old-growth forests.

Chance Cutrano, Director of Programs for the Resource Renewal Institute and co-lead for the Power in Nature Coalition in the San Francisco Bay Area, stated:

"Old growth forests are irreplaceable treasures that play a critical role in carbon sequestration, watershed integrity, and biodiversity. The current DEIS falls short of providing the robust protections these forests desperately need. We urge the U.S. Forest Service to seize this opportunity to establish meaningful safeguards for old-growth conservation, aligning with our nation's commitment to protect 30% of land and coastal waters by 2030."

RRI and its partners in the Power in Nature coalition remain committed to advancing strong environmental protections and will continue to advocate for policies that safeguard our nation's vital old growth forests for future generations.