Save Public Forests—Learn what you can do

The US Forest Service recently released a proposal for the management of the Telephone Gap region of the Green Mountain National Forest near the town of Chittenden. This proposal includes the logging of 12,000 acres of trees, many of which are up to 160 years old.

Sustainable Charlotte is hosting an important event to provide information about a threat to some old-growth trees in Vermont. Catherine Bock, representing Save Public Forests, a collective effort of scientists, researchers, ecologists, foresters, and individuals from many organizations, united in researching and promoting realistic modern-day, solutions to climate change, forest degradation and the biodiversity crisis, will be speaking.

Mature and old-growth forests excel at removing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. And yet, 92% of the areas proposed for logging in the Telephone Gap timber sale are classified as mature or old by the Green Mountain National Forest, violating President Biden’s Executive Order 14072, which directed the Forest Service to protect these forests for the benefit of the climate and biodiversity.

In December, the Forest Service withdrew a timber sale in Oregon called “Flat Country” because it targeted mature forests of up to 150 years in age. Telephone Gap proposes logging forests up to 160 years in age. If Flat Country was important to withdraw, why is the Telephone Gap timber sale moving forward?

The public comment period ends on March 13, so action is needed soon. Come to the Charlotte Library community room to learn more about the project and how you can make your voice heard. Postcards will be available to make commenting easy. Other ways to share your concerns will be shared.