To the Editor:
The BLM is now considering clear-cutting over 2 million acres of old-growth tree groves in Oregon that are currently protected under conservation status, including Marys Peak in Benton County.
This section of mature multispecies trees sequesters naturally cooled and filtered rainfall, supplying water to the Rock Creek Watershed, delivering high-quality water to the cities of Philomath, Corvallis and surrounding areas.
Forestry studies clearly show removal of old-growth tree groves increases levels of erosion and runoff containing high levels of sediment due to the inability of exposed soils to retain rainwater, unlike the combined root systems and undisturbed understory found in old-growth groves. Clear cuts also increase fire danger due to residual slash and the rapid growth of brush. Regardless of your political leanings, these publicly owned lands should be saved to ensure our future quality of life.
Here is a link to the proposal.
Stands of mixed-species old-growth forest are becoming extremely rare and support a vast array of flora and fauna due to the diversity found in these undisturbed microclimates, which cannot be duplicated through regrowth or monoculture forestry practices. Mature trees also serve as a carbon sink while providing cleaner air.
To callously log these public resources for short-term profit and lumber will deprive the American public of irreplaceable recreational and educational resources while ensuring increased extinction of endangered flora and fauna, degrading watersheds which serve to cool and filter water flowing into streams and rivers supporting the survival of fish and other aquatic species.
Heavy logging of protected conservation lands is a major error that cannot be reversed.
There are no public hearings scheduled, but your comments can be submitted prior to the deadline of March 23 to this link (Reference BLM Project Number DOI-BLM-ORWA-0000-2026-0001-RMP-EIS).
Please join me in making your opinion heard.
Daniel Wood
Corvallis