W.A.T.E.R.'s gotten into Forestry

Mt Shasta and Dunsmuir from space

In the last few years, W.A.T.E.R. has become involved with forestry issues.  Extensive clearcut logging has been occurring in our area, most easily noticeable around Dunsmuir but also edging up to Mt. Shasta City as well as elsewhere around Siskiyou County.  The South Fork Sacramento Public Safety and Forest Restoration Project which includes considerable proposed logging is also being advanced by the US Forest Service.  Published scientific articles warn that tree plantations established as required after logging burn at high severity and spread intense fire to neighboring forest stands potentially  threatening our communities.  These articles also report that thinned forests allow more rapid spread of wildfire especially during Red Flag days (fire weather).  Last year’s McKinney Fire near Yreka burned among such managed forest stands.  W.A.T.E.R. has been submitting comments on US Forest Service projects and also on the Rulemaking for Preserving Mature and Old-growth Forests.  

W.A.T.E.R.’s comment on the Rulemaking is available HERE. We hope you find it informative.