Save our nation’s oldest forests from destruction

The Biden administration released an executive order two years ago recognizing the importance of old-growth and mature trees in the fight against climate change and directing the U.S. Forest Service to take steps to protect our oldest forests. The Forest Service is now accepting public comments on their new proposed plan, but only until September 20.

Urge the Forest Service to finalize a strong plan.

Urge the U.S. Forest Service to finalize a strong plan that protects forests and fights the climate crisis.

Old-growth trees in Olympic National Forest in Washington.

Will you make your voice heard to save our oldest forests before it’s too late?

The Forest Service’s new proposal is a critical step forward – but it’s not enough to protect these vital trees from the worsening impacts of the climate crisis.

They’re now accepting public comments on the proposed plan, but only until September 20.

CTA

Your Message

Subject Stop the cutting of old-growth trees and let mature trees grow

Dear U.S. Forest Service:

Message Body

Please end the cutting of old-growth trees and let mature trees grow in all national forests.

Under your current proposal, our climate-critical old-growth and mature trees could still be sent to the mill. When these trees are cut down and processed, much of their stored carbon is rapidly released.

It can take decades or even centuries to return to the scale of carbon capture provided by our oldest forests. The climate crisis is upon us now as we experience record-shattering heat and widespread climate disasters – we don’t have time to regrow these forests.

That’s why I’m asking you to ensure that your final policy:

• Stops old-growth trees from being cut down and sent to the mill
• Sets the stage for durable protections for mature trees so they can become our next generation of old-growth trees

To build upon our momentum and fulfill the promise of the Biden administration’s executive order two years ago recognizing the importance of our oldest forests in the fight against climate change, I’m counting on you to stop the cutting of old-growth trees and let mature trees stand in all national forests.

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