1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

Our public lands and national forests are priceless natural treasures that must be protected for future generations. Opening them up to rampant logging and drilling would cause irreparable harm to delicate ecosystems, drive already imperiled species closer to extinction, and exacerbate the climate crisis. These pristine areas are vital carbon sinks, and felling ancient trees releases stored emissions back into the atmosphere. Furthermore, aggressive logging has been shown to actually increase wildfire risk rather than mitigating it. We cannot sacrifice these cherished spaces on the altar of short-term corporate profits. Instead, we should pursue sustainable management policies that preserve biodiversity, clean air and water, recreational opportunities, and the natural heritage belonging to all Americans. A balanced, science-based approach that prioritizes conservation over extraction is the wisest path forward for our public lands.