The Sparta Mountain folly

There are times when the organizations that we believe are there to protect us are actually not doing so and only looking out for their own best interests, as it seems to be the case regarding the Sparta Mountain fiasco. Unfortunately money and greed can dull one’s senses into deeming you are doing the right thing, even when you are not. I will always stand up for what I believe in and since there is little quantitative evidence about the long-term effects of certified forest management on biodiversity, I don’t think this project should move forward.
Forest management often aims to increase timber production and economic returns through intervention into natural processes. The disturbance associated with logging and not preserving old growth forests will create net carbon emissions for decades. This is not sustainable and should never be allowed. Forests are vital to our quality of life. Clean air, clean water and a healthy wildlife population depend on this valuable resource. Anything that effects our forest can impact the stability and rich biodiversity of the entire region. Underestimating the value thereof can be costly environmentally and economically. Evidence shows that there are many species and ecosystems which are negatively affected by any form of logging.
If we want to prevent endangering the fish and wildlife, plants and ecology of the region, we cannot risk having the Sparta Mountain Wildlife Management Plan continue to move forward on Sparta Mountain. It must be banned. The negative impact to the forest ecosystem and the devastating consequences that could occur to human health and welfare are just too costly to simply ignore. Putting the profits of special interests before what is best for the people is the wrong path to take. Once the damage is done, it will be too late to reverse.
Christa Gerry
Vernon