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Logging in the Sierra Nevada will INCREASE Unless we ACT NOW

The Forest Service has released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Sierra Nevada. Both of the Forest Service’s "preferred alternatives" would dramatically increase the amount of logging in the Sierra Nevada.

We need your letter to tell the Forest Service to protect the Sierra Nevada’s old-growth forests, de facto wilderness, and wildlife!

After years of delay the Forest Service has finally released a draft document that contains eight alternative management plans. Once finalized, the plan will dictate management of the 11 Sierra Nevada forests for the next decade.

There is a huge difference between the various alternatives. The Forest Service’s preferred alternatives are 6 and 8, however Alternative 5 is the strongest conservation alternative presented in the draft plan. Alternative 5 would protect 5.5 million acres of roadless areas and old-growth forest reserves, whereas Alternative 6 would only protect 1.6 million acres. Similarly, Alternative 6 would allow 351 million board feet of logging (an increase from current levels), whereas Alternative 5 would allow 127 million board feet. Alternative 5 would set aside more acres of forest in old-growth reserves and would provide larger stream buffers. Alternative 5 would protect most roadless areas 1,000 acres and larger in size, and would encourage prescribed burning to bring natural fire back into the forest system. And, the agency’s own analysis shows this is the best alternative for many species of imperiled wildlife.

We know that the timber industry and other "Wise Use" groups are rallying to promote MORE logging and MORE destructive use. Your letter is vitally needed to ensure that the "Range of Light" retains its glow.

Please send a letter asking for stronger protection of the Sierra Nevada. Here are some key points you may want to write about:

• Urge the Forest Service to select Alternative 5 because it will provide the best long-term management for the forests by protecting watersheds, tourism, recreation, wildlife and scenery. Ask the Forest Service to strengthen Alternative 5 to prohibit any commercial logging, and to focus instead on forest restoration.
• Alternative 5 protects the most old growth forests, roadless areas, and critical aquatic refuges.
• Alternative 5 better protects wildlife "species of concern," like the American marten and Pacific fisher (relatives of the mink), willow flycatcher, California spotted owl, and other animals that need the Sierra forests to survive.
• Alternative 5 goes the farthest in protecting water quality.
• Alternative 5 would cost taxpayers far less than the timber industry’s choice and would cost less than the budget for Alternative 6.
• Alternative 5 recognizes the need to reduce the risk of catastrophic fire, and makes fire reduction measures in the forest areas nearest towns and cities the highest priority.

Your letter must be received by August 11, 2000.

Send your letter to:
USDA Forest Service - CAET
Sierra Nevada Framework Project
P.O. Box 7669
Missoula, MT 59807

Or, send your e-mail comments to: mailroom_wo_caet@fs.fed.us

For more information, contact Tina Andolina at (530) 758-0380 or tina@calwild.org.

California Wilderness Coalition, 2655 Portage Bay East, Suite 5, Davis, CA 95616 (530) 758-0380