Protect North Carolina's Forests!

I am writing to ask for your help in opposing the proposed termination and relocation of essential Forest Service programs rooted in North Carolina, including fire protection, scientific research, and related operations that are being shifted to Salt Lake City. While this matter may not fall directly under the state’s formal authority, I believe it is exactly the kind of issue where your influence matters. Our state’s leaders have an important role to play in defending the institutions, resources, and communities that are central to western North Carolina’s identity and economy. I strongly object to the shuttering or relocation of facilities such as the Southern Research Station in Asheville, Bent Creek Experimental Forest in Buncombe County, and Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory in Macon County. These are not abstract bureaucratic offices; they are place-based institutions whose work depends on being embedded in the forests, watersheds, and communities they serve. Western North Carolina has deep forestry roots going back to colonial times, and national forests remain a major driver of our region’s economy today. Pisgah National Forest and Nantahala National Forest attract millions of visitors each year and support jobs, tourism, recreation, and local businesses across the region. Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, established in 1934, is especially valuable because long-term research tied to a specific place cannot be duplicated after the fact or from a distant headquarters. Its work is crucial to understanding water quality, wildfire risk, and storm recovery, especially in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Losing local scientific capacity will weaken our ability to respond effectively to future challenges. Forestry depends on local knowledge, local resources, and strong local partnerships. When decisions are made far from the forests themselves, we lose the expertise and relationships that make sound forest management possible. That loss would have real consequences for western North Carolina’s lands, communities, and economy. Pisgah was the nation's first National Forest. American forestry begins in Western North Carolina! I respectfully ask that you use your voice and influence to oppose this effort and to advocate for keeping these critical Forest Service resources in North Carolina, where they belong. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your service to our state.