It is the job of environmentalists to preserve the quality of the natural world that sustains our existence.
It is the job of loggers to bring natural resources to market and help sustain the economy that serves us all.
Responsible loggers are also environmentalists, although most prefer not to wear the label.
The preservers and the harvesters are presently enagged in a political battle over a proposal commonly called the Wild Olympics.
This federal legislation would protect thousands of acres in Olympic National Forest for the sake of water quality, fish and wildlife, and enhanced recreational opportunity.
The proposal contains virtually no effect on harvestable timber.
So one might ask why there is a political battle.
The answer is that many of the logging industry harbor ancient antipathies that lead them to fear that environmentalists will never be satisfied.
Is this fear well-founded? Is it any different than the fear of environmentalists that the logging industry would clearcut the world if left alone?
Wild Olympics makes sense for our environment and for responsible use of public lands, use the promises to further local recreational and tourism opportunities.
Opposition to Wild Olympics is based soley on ancient antipathy and fear.
Rep. Derek Kilmer has taken positive action, co-sponsoring ne Wild Olympics legislation while also creating a coalition (Olympic Peninsula Collaborative) of environmental and logging interests to explore responsible possibilities for sustaining and enhancing timber harvest.
John Merton Marrs
Lake Sutherland
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