Environmental activists are occupying trees in the Willamette National Forest, to protest a potential timber sale.
In a statement shared with KLCC, Cascadia Forest Defenders say the Flat Country Timber deal threatens thousands of acres of old growth forest. They’re calling on Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to join Congressman Peter DeFazio in opposition.
Another group, Cascadia Wildlands, has challenged the sale. It’s encouraged the U.S. Forest Service to drop all regeneration harvest on older stands, adding it’s destructive to both forest and watershed health.
Earlier this year, the Willamette National Forest issued its decision on the Flat Country Project. It would allow a harvest of roughly 4,400 acres in the project area, towards providing what it deems a sustainable amount of timber products, as well as maintaining roads.
It’s not known how long the tree occupiers will stay, , but Cascadia Forest Defenders says it’s told local timber companies, quote – “If you buy this land, you buy us too.”
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