1. United States
2. Ore.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned by the recent executive order to expand logging across 280 million acres of national forests and public lands. This move disregards critical protections for endangered species and their habitats under the Endangered Species Act. Increasing logging will not only threaten the survival of hundreds of vulnerable species like grizzly bears, spotted owls, and wild salmon, but will also exacerbate the risk of wildfires and degrade water quality that millions rely on. The order falsely claims that more aggressive logging will reduce wildfire risks, when the overwhelming scientific evidence shows the opposite is true. Removing established, fire-resistant trees alters the microclimate, creating hotter and drier conditions that enable fires to spread more rapidly, as tragically witnessed in recent years. Our national forests are precious natural treasures that sequester carbon, safeguard biodiversity, and provide unparalleled recreational opportunities. Prioritizing timber industry profits over environmental protection is short-sighted and irresponsible. I urge you to oppose this destructive executive order and work towards policies that preserve our remaining old-growth forests for future generations.