BAD NEWS: In spite of deep public concern and solid expert evaluation determining a well functioning old-growth forest, the DNR has ANNOUNCED AUCTION of timber rights to the old-growth forest ON JANUARY WEDNESDAY 17TH. GOOD NEWS: Your calls last month stirred up some action from 9 state Senators and Representatives who recently co-signed a letter to the DNR Commissioner calling out the decision to harvest old growth in spite of expert advice. We don't know yet how this was received. PLEASE MAKE TWO CALLS: Gov. Dayton's Environmental Policy Advisor, Stephanie Zawistowski: 651-201-3419 DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr: 651-259-5018 Respectful but persuasive approach is best received! Tell them this is in regards to the proposed timber harvest on the North Arm Trails near Ely. AND SIMPLY STATE: 1. In October, a half dozen experts with decades of experience in forestry, old-growth evaluation, certification and policy visited the site and unanimously agreed that this area contains large tracts of well functioning old-growth forest. THIS IS INFORMATION THAT CANNOT BE IGNORED! 2. We demand the DNR recognize the assessment of forest experts who unanimously agree much of the site is a healthy "type 2 old-growth system". 3. THE DNR HAS CHOSEN TO WORK WITH INCOMPLETE DATA. They choose to use data from parts of the stand that have less ecological integrity, ignoring the large portions of the stand with high quality old growth. They need to know we are well informed and paying attention. IGNORING SCIENCE IS RECKLESS. THANK YOU for taking two minutes to make these calls - your two minutes could still save a forest that is well over 130 years old! P.S. to go the extra mile: PLEASE ALSO CALL YOUR MN STATE REPRESENTATIVE (please click here for your Rep.'s contact information: https://www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts/)