December 14, 2004
Flattop Logging at Biscuit Compromises North Kalmiopsis
Logging is on-going at the Flattop timber sale, partially along the infamous Bald Mountain road in the Siskiyou Wild Rivers area. Flattop is part of the extreme Biscuit fire logging project ?- the largest logging proposal anywhere on federal lands in modern history.
Logging at other Biscuit timber sales has left behind a long list of violations ?- everything from logging green trees to cutting within sensitive stream buffer zones. So-called "hazard tree" cutting near the Flattop timber sale has already resulted in logging within the protected Kalmiopsis Wilderness itself -? a blatant violation of federal law.
In yet another violation, the Forest Service is allowing logging vehicles to travel on a normally closed road heading into the Silver-Glory Non-Motorized Recreation Area ? part of the North Kalmiopsis Roadless Area.
Making matters worse, wet weather increases the likelihood of spreading the deadly Port-Orford-cedar root disease to uninfected areas. Despite this, the Forest Service has allowed logging to continue.
Flat Top is the third timber sale at Biscuit to be logged in 2004, in addition to extensive roadside logging.
Take action today!
Contact Senator Ron Wyden and Congressman Peter DeFazio and ask them to:
1. Demand that the Forest Service revoke seasonal operating waivers at Flattop due to potential Port-Orford cedar contamination.
2. Prohibit the auction of other Biscuit logging sales until a full investigation of illegal activity and logging violations can be completed. This investigation should examine:
- logging in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness
- logging in sensitive stream buffer zones
- motor vehicles entering the North Kalmiopsis Roadless Area
- logging of green trees
3. Oppose attempts to gut environmental safeguards or judicial review for the Biscuit logging project.
Ron Wyden
Federal Courthouse
310 West 6th St, Room 118
Medford, OR 97501
(541) 858-5122
Peter DeFazio
151 West 7th, Suite 400
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 465-6732