"Conservation groups recently filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service to protect dozens of species that are threatened by the agency’s forest burning and logging practices. The measure comes after the agency’s announcement of a plan to cut more than 5,000 acres of burned trees located in the Tahoe and Sierra National Forests. Many imperiled and endangered species rely on these areas for survival, including black-backed woodpeckers and California spotted owls.
According to the Center for Biological Diversity, the burned areas of trees and shrubs comprise a unique, complex ecosystem, which provides essential habitats to many species. These animals rely on burned forest for survival, yet logging practices effectively eliminate these habitats. The Forest Service and California wildlife agencies provide no protection for post-fire areas. The spotted owl and black-backed woodpecker both still await federal protection, despite years of efforts from conservation groups. These species, along with several others, continue to decline in population due to logging practices.
Urge the U.S. Forest Service to stop these destructive practices that run counter to scientific research and findings. Logging practices in public lands serve only to provide profits for private industry and will effectively eliminate wildlife from the landscape in California."
