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

The Finger Lakes National Forest is a precious public land that provides invaluable ecological, recreational, and historical benefits to the people of New York. Increasing logging in this area by 25% as proposed by the Trump administration would cause irreparable harm to the diverse native forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats that make this region so unique. The Forest is home to numerous rare and endangered species, including the Henslow's sparrow, grasshopper sparrow, and northern harrier, which rely on the intact habitats it provides. Additionally, the Forest contains important historical sites like Camp Fossenvue, a former retreat for suffragists fighting for women's rights. Protecting these natural and cultural resources should be a priority. Increased logging would not only devastate the biodiversity and natural beauty of the Finger Lakes National Forest, but also impede its ability to serve as a critical recreational area for activities like hiking, camping, bird watching, and more. This public land belongs to all Americans and should be managed for the benefit of current and future generations, not exploited for short-term commercial gain. I urge you to take action to prevent this destructive logging plan from moving forward and ensure the Finger Lakes National Forest remains a cherished natural treasure for New Yorkers and visitors alike.