Wyden Calls For End Of Old Growth Logging On Federal Land

Legislation to be introduced this year with the goal of final passage in the next Congress.

Sen. Ron Wyden is calling for an end to old-growth logging on federal forests in Oregon while increasing thinning of younger forests.

The Democratic senator's proposal also includes a requirement that the Forest Service and BLM develop at least one large-scale forest restoration project in each of Oregon’s federal forests and BLM districts.

The goal is to lessen the risk of unnaturally severe fires while improving biological diversity.

Wyden says his proposal will also create jobs for those working on the restoration projects.

Sen. Ron Wyden: “My hope is that a approach like I offer today is going to make it possible to create thousands of new jobs and restore the health of our forests.”

Conservation groups say they support the permanent protection of old-growth trees under this proposal, but they would like to see more protection for the next generation of old growth forests.