forests

Michael Hoyt writes, "It is far past time for the Forest Service to explain why it continues to propose thinning projects that exacerbate global warming."

In its annual forest health report, the Department of Natural Resources found worrisome trends for drought-stressed trees in the state.

Missoula legislators write, "The Land Board, working with the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, should fully evaluate different strategies for maintaining the existing mill infrastructure in Montana."

As increasing drought pushes western Montana toward a risky fire season, new University of Montana research indicates that wildfire suppression can worsen the effects of wildfire.

Michael Hoyt writes, "The Montana representative for the trade association, American Forest Resource Council, attempted to resurrect that old, worn-out, dishonest claim that environmentalists get rich by taking the Forest Service to court."

Mike Garrity writes, "Simply put, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest is using ‘chainsaw medicine’ to clearcut mature forests at the behest of the ever-greedy timber industry."

Research links cedar death to climate, details which trees are dying, which are surviving and shows how the species might be saved.

George Wuerthner writes, "Contrary to logging proponents' assertions that thinning/logging will reduce wildfire spread and fire severity, there is abundant evidence that chainsaw medicine increases wildfire spread."

A bill introduced in Congress this week by Colorado Democrats would allocate $60 billion in federal funding for efforts to protect vulnerable forests and watersheds and mitigate wildfire risk throughout the West.

The 2002 drought was a massive catalyst for pests, including the spruce beetle, which in Colorado impacted 1.89 million acres statewide over two decades.