(Photo shown above is mine)

Forests are both places of magic and wonder. Yet, an executive order issued by President Donald Trump is putting them at risk.

On March 1, President Donald Trump signed the “Immediate Expansion of American Timber Production.” executive order. This would allow logging on 80% of Americas forests. This also Includes 60% of NATIONAL FORESTS. All together, the logging area will be  greater than the states of Oregon and Washington COMBINED. 



If deforestation occurs, the outcome will not be pretty. Forests are carbon sinks, meaning that they absorb C02 from the atmosphere, then store it in their biomass. This also means that when trees are cut down, they then release that C02 back into the atmosphere. Ultimately, that leads to more carbon emissions and greenhouse gas. Another ugly outcome of deforestation is also tragic--loss of biodiversity. Did you know that habitat loss is the number one cause for dwindling biodiversity? National parks, such as Yellowstone, where created to preserve wildlife (as well as preserve landscapes).  It is a safe haven for all sorts of animals, offering them protection and the chance to live peacefully without threat. In addition, a significant portion of the wildlife in national parks are at risk of extinction (42%). President Donald Trump is trying to undo 152 years of tranquility for these creatures. And for what? 

So, why cant outside groups help with this? Normally, outside groups would be allowed to challenge logging proposals. However, they will now be unable to do so. Our forests NEED our help.  Please, take 30 seconds of your time to help our forests.