STATEMENT: U.S. Forest Service hears North Carolinians: spares part of Nantahala from logging

RALEIGH, N.C. — The United States Forest Service announced on Friday that it will not log an ecologically sensitive portion of the Nantahala National Forest. The area which was spared, referred to as the Whitewater River stand, is a section of mature forest home to several rare species adjacent to the Whitewater River. Environment North Carolina has been advocating for the protection of North Carolina’s oldest trees and applauds this decision by the U.S. Forest Service as a step in the right direction. 

This announcement comes on the heels of Environment North Carolina and other environmental groups calling on President Joe Biden to protect the state’s mature and old-growth trees and forests. In May, a coalition of 17 North Carolina-based groups led by Environment North Carolina sent a letter urging the Biden Administration to issue a strong Nationwide Old-Growth Amendment. And, campaign staff with Environment North Carolina are knocking on doors across Chapel Hill this week to build support for strong protections for mature and old-growth trees and forests. 

In response, Environment North Carolina Advocate Emily Mason released the following statement: 

“North Carolina’s oldest trees and forests are a part of our natural heritage, yet few remain. Sparing this part of the Nantahala is welcome news from the Forest Service, and we urge the agency to continue to prioritize conservation over logging interests. Old-growth trees are our greatest natural ally against climate change with their ability to store carbon, and they provide vital habitat for imperiled species. The green salamander’s home in the Nantahala National Forest is one of the most important population centers this special creature has left. 

This decision from the Forest Service should only be the beginning of protections for mature and old-growth trees and forests in North Carolina, especially in the Nantahala. The Buck and Southside logging projects in the Nantahala still threaten the stability of the greater forest. North Carolina’s mature and old-growth trees are worth more standing and need to be protected for generations to come.”