We need Our senators to step up for Central Oregon’s forests

Oregon has a longstanding history of protecting old-growth trees and mature forests. It is in our DNA.

Over the past two years, we've seen a sea change from protecting our oldest trees east of the Cascades to placing them, quite literally, back on the chopping block. With recent events, from the logging that occurred along Phil’s Trail to recent commercial timber sales targeting large trees in Eastern Oregon’s national forests, it is again time to stand up for big trees.

In June, Central Oregon LandWatch, Greater Hells Canyon Council, Oregon Wild, Great Old Broads for Wilderness, WildEarth Guardians, and the Sierra Club filed a lawsuit in federal court over a decision made under the Trump administration to allow logging of the biggest trees remaining in Central and Eastern Oregon’s national forests.

our elected officials need to Show up

On Earth Day 2022, the Biden administration issued the Executive Order on Strengthening the Nationals Forests, Communities, and Local Economies directing the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to inventory and conserve mature and old-growth forests on federal lands. The executive order sends a clear message.

We know large trees are our most fire-resistant trees. They provide critical wildlife habitat to birds, bats, mammals, and big game. They shade streams and maintain soil stability, protecting clean water and fish habitat. They store 42% of all carbon in the forest. After a century of rampant timber harvest in Oregon, large trees are incredibly scarce on the landscape, making up only 3% of trees left in our forests.

We must work to bolster conservation measures for our remaining large trees, not cut them down.

Take Action

Senator Merkley understands the importance of mature forests as carbon sinks and knows protecting large trees is one of our best chances to combat climate change.

Senator Wyden has long cared about Oregon’s largest trees and has been a champion for forests across the state. Let’s ask him to permanently protect Central and Eastern Oregon’s large trees in national forests.

Do you have a few extra minutes? A personalized message can go a long way. Craft your own email or send a note by mail to Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden.