1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Trump's executive order to greatly expand logging activities across 280 million acres of national forests and public lands poses a serious threat to forest ecosystems and the numerous species that reside within them. Aggressive tree cutting, especially of established, mature forests, drastically alters the microclimate creating hotter and drier conditions that exacerbate the risk of catastrophic wildfires. Beyond the immediate habitat destruction for creatures like grizzly bears, spotted owls, and wild salmon, circumventing the Endangered Species Act's protections will imperil hundreds of at-risk species. Furthermore, old-growth forests play a vital role in absorbing planet-warming carbon dioxide, and their preservation is crucial for addressing climate change. Rather than succumbing to the demands of the logging industry, responsible stewardship of our national forests and public lands should prioritize conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable practices that maintain the ecological integrity of these natural treasures.