The threat is called the Lake Whatcom Reconveyance.
Without boring you about local issues, the Reconveyance has world-wide implications.
Ignoring forest health leads to this as illustrated by an 1800s burned off area |
The land was dedicated to the timber industry because of a realization by Washington State legislators that an unhealthy timber industry means an unhealthy environment.
This blog has addressed the issue previously. Consider:
- A huge portion of the greenhouse gas emissions released to our atmosphere each year come as the result of forest fires.
- Studies estimate 25% or more of the mercury released to the atmosphere each year comes as the result of forest fires.http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/01/070109172159.htm
- Out of control forest fires boil out streams killing fish populations, burn habitat used by endangered species and otherwise cause environmental havoc.
- And so on...
A healthy forest products industry is required to maintain a healthy forest. If we kill the industry, we help kill the forests.
Too often our reactions to environmental issues are based on emotions rather than science; "Ummm, park good, cut tree bad."
If this blog does anything at all I hope it helps readers to realize that the discussion of issues about environmental impacts generally involve more complexity than the pop-environmental movements want brought up. All too often, the real purpose of the discussion is the raising of money rather than the solving of issues and full discussion confuses the donors.
I am Lurene Gisee from Bellingham. I hope to attend June's luncheon for Republican Woman to hear your comments, if I am correct that it is you who is scheduled to speak. I was born in Oakland, CA and spent most of my life in the San Francisco Bay Area as a newspaper reporter. Fires are almost a native form of life in California each year. Some of your writing gets into this area. I agree with what I've read on your blog here so far. I've not enough time to study your work completely tonight, but we would have similar views, I think. I know I need to learn more about your work, though. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteOh, sorry: Lurene Gisee or Lurene Helzer or Lurene Kathleen Helzer. The first name is today's name, the other two were used for most of my published stuff. I am easy to find on the internet because of my blogs, which contain samples of my work in journalism and in college. But to make it easier: lurenexyz@gmail.com
ReplyDelete