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On logging

To the editor:

Regarding “Preservation vs. Conservation,” Enterprise, April 17 letter to editor by Paul Herrmann:

Mr. Herrmann’s contention that logging continues in the Forest Preserve and therefore is a threat to the “forever wild” status is incorrect. The Forest Preserve is approximately 6 million acres, of which a little less than 3 million acres is state owned and managed. Little to none is logged, to my knowledge. Possibly Mr. Herrmann is commenting on action on privately owned lands.

Article XIV was passed over 100 years ago because of uncontrolled logging resulting in massive fires and erosion in the Adirondacks. Times have radically changed in logging and wise use of our timberlands nationally. Unfortunately, our urbanized society still envisions those devastated forests when they hear of or see the few logging operations that occur.

Forests age, becoming more susceptible to diseases and wind storms and less beneficial to wildlife. Comprehensive forest management plans and operations do provide better wildlife habitat, buffered areas from forest recreation activities while allowing timber harvesting. No one wants to see or hear logging operations while they paddle or hike, myself included. The “forever wild” doctrine was beneficial for half a century, protecting our forests.

Many sections of our public forests have ceased growing, preventing little or no new generation of growth around them. A forest botanist referred to our forests as “petri dishes” for disease. The European foresters, specifically the Scandinavians, have practiced wise, sustainable logging for decades. I wonder what our Forest Preserve will look line a hundred years from now? Currently it’s a race between overuse for recreation and decay.

Bill Ulinski

Lake Placid

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