Posted 7/31/97

Disastrous "Quincy Library Group" bill would double logging in three national forests

The Quincy Library Group bill, S.1028, if enacted would double the current logging levels on 2.5 million acres of land in California's Lassen, Plumas and Tahoe national forests. This logging increase would be contrary to the recently concluded Sierra Nevada Ecosystem Project, a $7-million study that recommended increased forest preservation in the Sierra Nevada and a reduction of the environmental impacts of logging.

S.1028 would prescribe firebreaks– essentially clearcuts up to one-quarter-mile wide– stretching through the forests, purportedly to reduce fire danger. This firebreak model is untested scientifically and actually might increase the danger of a large forest fire. Such firebreaks also would biologically fragment the forest. The bill does not allow scientific evaluation of the effects of the firebreaks.

The cost to implement S.1028 is estimated at $83 million over the five-year period– money the U.S. Forest Service was directed to obtain from existing accounts, such as those for wildlife protection and recreation. The biggest beneficiary of the funds would be Sierra Pacific Industries, the main logging contractor for the project.

The companion bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives on a 429-1 vote, yet was an extremely bad bill. Unless we voice vigorous opposition to this bill in the Senate the measure will be enacted, possibly as early as September. Please call or fax Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to voice opposition to the Quincy Library Group bill! Sponsored by Feinstein and Boxer, S.1028 is opposed by at least 25 local and national environmental groups, including Forests Forever.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
202/224-3841 (voice)
202/228-3954 (FAX)

Sen. Barbara Boxer
U.S. Senate
Washington, DC 20510
202/224-3553 (voice)
415/956-6701 (FAX)