1. United States
2. Okla.
3. Letter

The Trump administration's executive order aimed at increasing timber production from federal lands poses a grave threat to our national forests and undermines efforts to combat climate change. Logging operations, especially those targeting larger, older trees, would diminish the forests' ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide, thereby exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, this directive could endanger vulnerable wildlife species by expediting permitting processes under the Endangered Species Act. While wildfire mitigation is cited as a justification, experts caution that simply accelerating logging without careful consideration of biodiversity, forest health, and long-term climate impacts may actually increase wildfire risks. Our national forests provide invaluable ecosystem services beyond timber, including carbon sequestration, flood control, and economic benefits from recreation and tourism that often surpass revenues from logging. Rather than pursuing devastating policies that prioritize short-term resource extraction, a comprehensive approach balancing environmental protection and sustainable forestry practices is crucial for preserving these ecological treasures and safeguarding our climate.