Mission project a travesty

What do the The Nature Conservancy, The Wilderness Society, Conservation Northwest, and the Methow Valley Citizens’ Council have in common? They would have us believe that the Forest Service’s (FS) Mission Project is a good idea. If it is implemented it will leave behind a sad and irrevocable legacy.

By excusing the FS from doing an Environmental Impact Statement, these groups will further weaken what little environmental protection remains from the NEPA legislation that is under attack by the Trump administration . These odd bedfellows are disseminating false narratives about wildfire and aiding the destruction of habitat for ESA listed fish and other wildlife. Why are these particular “environmental” groups promoting this? Because they will receive kickbacks from the wealthy who will profit from logging our public lands.

Instead of supporting the destructive Mission Project, we could proceed with many beneficial forest related projects, such as, reforming grazing practices; developing low cost road closure systems; protecting wildlife habitat and corridors; rethinking public land management of wildfire (e.g. allow more natural ignitions to burn, and prioritizing Fire Wise preparedness); protecting the 18,000 acres of potential wilderness adjacent to the project area; and focusing on recreation.

Which makes sense to you? Green light the organizations and government who wish to please the timber industry and promote hysteria around wildfire, or engage in proven ways to save homes and in sustainable forest practices that will allow future generations to enjoy healthy creeks, lakes, wildlife and woodlands?

Donna Pema Bresnahan

Carlton, Wash.