Ian Brickey, ian.brickey@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Forest Service concluded a public comment period seeking input on the development of a change to plans overseeing all national forests that would protect the last remaining old-growth trees in the United States.
In December, the Forest Service issued a draft proposal, initiating a process that would amend all national forest plans to protect old-growth trees and forests on federal public lands. Completion of the amendment would mark critical progress towards fulfilling the Biden Administration’s commitment to identify, inventory, and protect old-growth forests on federal lands. The proposed amendment, which has not yet been finalized, does not currently include protections for mature trees and forests, also known as future old growth. Mature trees and forests far outnumber remaining old-growth in the United States and represent a vital carbon-absorbing tool for taking on climate change.
Only a fraction of the country’s old growth forests remain standing. Recent studies have confirmed the unparalleled ability of mature and old growth trees to absorb and store carbon pollution.
In response, Sierra Club Forest Campaign Manager Alex Craven released the following statement:
“Old-growth trees are unparalleled in their ability to take on climate change and safeguard ecosystems. The Biden Administration not only recognizes this, but has set ambitious goals for protecting these ancient trees and forests.
"This proposed amendment is an important first step in ensuring these trees continue to stand, but our work is not finished. The Administration’s goals are ambitious, and we need the final amendment to be as strong as possible – that means protecting mature trees and forests, along with old-growth. The Forest Service must prioritize managing these forests for ecological health – not commercial revenue."
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.