Fact:
Fire is a natural and beneficial part of ecosystems. Without
it, the ecosystem quickly degrades.
But avoiding catastrophic fire risk is often used to justify logging.
Ironically, however,
according to the Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project Final Report to Congress,
"Timber harvest,
through its effects on forest structure, local microclimate, and fuel
accumulation, has increased
fire severity more than any other recent human activity."
Clearcutting can change fire climate so that fires start more
easily, spread faster, and burn
hotter. If the intent is to seek the most environmentally sound
and cost effective means to
reduce the fuel hazard and fire risk, then the Forest Service should
be instructed and fully funded
to implement understory prescribed burning without commercial logging.
The long-term goal
should be full restoration of ecological processes, including fire.