1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

Our national forests are precious natural resources that provide vital ecosystem services and habitats for countless species. The Trump administration's new policy to roll back environmental protections on nearly 60% of national forest lands, spanning over 112 million acres, is deeply concerning. Allowing increased logging activities and removing crucial safeguards will undoubtedly cause irreparable harm to these fragile ecosystems. While the stated goals of addressing wildfires and supporting the timber industry may seem well-intentioned, the approach taken is misguided. Extensive scientific research has shown that indiscriminate logging does not effectively mitigate wildfire risks and can often have the opposite effect by increasing flammable debris and altering forest dynamics. Furthermore, prioritizing short-term economic gains over long-term environmental sustainability is a flawed strategy that jeopardizes the very forests we aim to protect. I urge you to reconsider this detrimental policy and instead prioritize the preservation of our national forests. We must adopt a balanced approach that incorporates sustainable forestry practices, respects ecological boundaries, and safeguards these invaluable natural treasures for future generations. The health and resilience of our forests should be the primary concern, not short-sighted exploitation for commercial interests.