1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to strongly oppose the Trump administration’s efforts to increase timber production on our public lands and national forests by rolling back critical environmental protections. Appropriate forest management is essential—not only for wildfire prevention, but for ensuring clean air and water, carbon capture, and the survival of countless wildlife species, including those that are endangered. The Endangered Species Act and the National Environmental Policy Act exist to ensure that forest projects undergo thoughtful, science-based, and good faith environmental review, even in the context of emergency response. These laws are not obstacles—they are safeguards designed to protect the long-term health of our environment and communities. The current push to bypass these protections threatens to do irreversible harm. It would open the door to destructive logging practices that compromise our air and water quality, undermine wildlife habitats, and endanger the fragile ecosystems that make our public lands so extraordinary. This issue is deeply personal to me. As a student at Appalachian State University, I spent countless hours exploring the Appalachian Mountains and experiencing the unique beauty of their ancient, old-growth forests. Now living in Colorado, I look out at the majesty of the Rocky Mountains every day. I believe our country’s public lands and national parks should be protected and treasured—not exploited—so that Americans from all walks of life can continue to experience their wonder for generations to come. I urge you to uphold current environmental law and oppose this dangerous effort to erode the protections that have long preserved our public lands. Congress must hold the Trump administration accountable and ensure that forest management is conducted responsibly, transparently, and in the public’s best interest. Thank you for your leadership and service.