Astoria, Ore. — A new directive issued by the Trump administration, aiming to accelerate industrial logging in U.S. National Forests, has sparked strong opposition from environmental groups across the country. The executive order, which targets mature and old-growth forests, is seen by critics as a threat to essential ecosystems, including fish and wildlife habitats, clean drinking water, and the overall health of forests.
Oregon Wild, a leading environmental nonprofit in the state, was among the most vocal in its criticism. The group condemned the order, asserting that it would lead to irreversible harm to the environment. John Persell, staff attorney for Oregon Wild, argued that the move was part of a broader pattern of undermining public lands protections. “After pointlessly draining California reservoirs and gutting the ranks of park rangers, wildlife biologists, and other public lands civil servants, Trump has now set his sights on looting the American public’s forests,” Persell said. “This plan is just as reckless and ill-conceived.”
The executive order aims to streamline the logging process, particularly targeting mature and old-growth forests that play a crucial role in carbon storage, supporting wildlife, and maintaining clean water sources. Critics argue that this would make it easier for the timber industry to exploit public lands without sufficient oversight or accountability.
Environmental experts are also concerned about the broader implications of the order in the context of the climate crisis. According to the World Economic Forum, climate change has already been devastating North American forests, with many native forests migrating northward and prompting lumber producers to seek new sources of timber. In contrast, some policymakers in regions like British Columbia are focusing on protecting old-growth trees rather than using them for logging.
Steve Pedery, Conservation Director at Oregon Wild, emphasized that the administration’s justification for the directive — wildfire prevention — is misleading. “The idea that this is about wildfire prevention is a sham. Trump’s order is about enriching timber corporations and deregulating the industry,” Pedery stated.
The directive has prompted outrage at town halls across the country, particularly in Oregon, where citizens have raised concerns about the growing privatization of public lands and the loss of public sector jobs. Many have expressed alarm over the mass firing of public lands employees, such as park rangers and wildlife biologists, who play a vital role in managing and protecting the nation’s forests.
Oregon Wild, the state’s oldest environmental nonprofit, has vowed to hold the Trump administration accountable for what it views as a direct assault on public lands and the environment. The organization is committed to fighting the directive and working toward stronger protections for America’s National Forests.
As the debate continues to unfold, the controversy surrounding the executive order highlights the broader tension between environmental conservation efforts and the push for increased industrial activity on public lands. The outcome of this battle will have lasting implications for the future of America’s forests and the wildlife they support.
