Dennis, from Wyoming, passed on today’s article as a follow-up to my “Use It or Lose It” post of the other day. It’s another story on bark beetles – and that kaleidoscope of a pipe dream we talked about before.
Conservation group appeals logging for beetles decision is the title of the article and it starts like this:
A conservation group has appealed the U.S. Forest Service’s decision to permit logging as a way to minimize the spread of bark beetles in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Medicine Bow Supervisor Mary Peterson has 45 days to respond to the appeal filed by Laramie-based Biodiversity Conservation Alliance.
As outlined in the last story about these wicked little tree-murdering beetles, the Forest Service is trying to get ahead of the game by doing some selective logging.
The USFS even took an approach that attempted to cover their backsides by clarifying that their actions would be good for both the forest and “at risk” species.
Excerpt:
The Forest Service decided in January to allow cutting 2,648 acres of trees in order to protect potential habitat for lynx and boreal toad populations.
But, of course, the eco-freaks cannot stand the concept of removing trees. Not even dead and dying trees.
Excerpt:
“We think the Forest Service is not being entirely honest here. This is just another excuse for a timber sale in the Medicine Bow,” Nichols said.
Speaking of honesty, Nichols should be honest about the fact that all those bright colors are getting in the way of his perception of reality.
Excerpt:
In addition, Biodiversity believes the fears that beetles could kill thousands of acres of spruce and lodgepole pine trees are exaggerated, Nichols said.
Apparently, he doesn’t get out much. Maybe somebody should give him the phone numbers for foresters in British Columbia and Alberta!
There is also the question of those “at risk” species.
Excerpt:
Nichols said the beetles should be allowed to do their natural job of infesting old and diseased trees. Once the beetle epidemic has run its course, the resulting new habitat could be valuable for scarce and sensitive species such as three-toed woodpeckers, pine martens, goshawks and other birds, he said.
Yup – he just gave a perfect example of what I’ve said here many, many times before. Help one species – hurt another. Take your pick.
Take your pick – that is – so long as you don’t cut down a tree!
I’ve got to get myself one of those pipes. From where I sit, I simply don’t see the same gaudy display of colors…
