Defend
the Forests of the Wild Rogue!
Picture: View into a beautiful
forest along the East Fork of Kelsey Creek. This forest is scheduled
to be clearcut by the Medford BLM.
Click here to view pictures of the Kelsey-Whiskey Timber Sale...
Pictures and more info on the sale can be viewed at:
GROUPS CHALLENGE LOGGING OF SPOTTED OWL CRITICAL HABITAT
Six
conservation groups filed a federal court challenge to the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) approval of timber sales in southwest Oregon –
old-growth timber sales that by the agency’s own admission destroy critical
habitat for threatened northern spotted owls. FWS’ approval, embodied in a
document called a biological opinion, dismisses the destruction of critical
habitat and fails to analyze the impacts of the logging to the survival of
the owl.
Represented by
Earthjustice, the groups challenging FWS’ action are Oregon Natural
Resources Council, Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Cascadia Wildlands
Project, Siskiyou Regional Education Project, Headwaters, and Friends of
Living Oregon Waters. The case will be heard by the 9th Circuit Court
in San Francisco in the coming months.
Affected by this
lawsuit is the Kelsey-Whisky Timber Sale- we will keep you informed of
developments...
Click here for a link to Oregonian story...
Your letter,
e-mail, or phone call is very important!!!
The Kelsey-Whisky
Timber Sale, being prepared by the Medford BLM, would allow clearcutting and
commercial thinning of beautiful old-growth forests above the "Wild" portion
of the Wild and Scenic Rogue River and within the Zane Grey Roadless Area.
Sample letter: (you can cut & paste into your
e-mail and we
encourage you to personalize your letter)
Dear the Glendale Resource Area of the Medford BLM:
We are deeply disturbed by the failure of the Medford BLM to take into account
public comments and the clear public interest of preserving the forests of
the Wild Rogue. We ask that you withdraw the FEIS from consideration. The analysis was not
adequate in determining the effects of clearcutting and entry into unentered
old growth forests upon wildlife, riparian areas, and sensitive, threatened
and endangered plants and animals.
The
forests of the Wild Rogue are known for its unique habitat for
numerous species of wildlife and the extensive logging proposed
for the area threatens these species. Species that may be harmed by logging in the planning area include the Northern Spotted Owl,
Coho Salmon, Bald Eagle, Marbled Murrelet, Red Tree Voles, Great Gray Owls,
Del Norte Salamanders, Migratory Birds, Martens, Fisher, Ringtails, Black
Bears, and Mountain Lions. Please do not log the beautiful
old-growth forests of the Wild Rogue and consider taking positive steps for
restoring these grand forests and saving wildlife.
It is of great concern that
the Medford BLM is proposing to commercial thin and clearcut "Critical Habitat" for the Northern Spotted Owl. Please do not log in an
area that has been set aside for a threatened species. Further, please do
not take any action that enters the Zane Grey Roadless Area. The rare old-growth
forests of the area are spectacular and should be preserved
for future generations.
Thank you,
Your name
Address
Click here
to read FLOW's comments on the Final Environmental
Impact Statement.
What To Do:
Since it is clear that the Medford BLM does not
listen to public input, now we must reach out to our elected officials.
Please write or call Representative Peter DeFazio and ask him to
intervene on behalf of the Lower Rogue's ancient, roadless forests. Ask
for a letter in return so you are assured that he has received your
message.
Contact:
Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR)
2134 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington D.C.
(202)225-6416
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