Oregonians rallied for old-growth forests

As the 90-day public comment period on old-growth forest management came to a close, Environment Oregon and OSPIRG students ramped up efforts to gather support. At a press conference in downtown Portland, the groups delivered thousands of public comments urging the Forest Service to protect these ancient trees.

Oregon’s old-growth forests, critical for wildlife and climate action, absorb and store carbon, helping to combat climate change. “We needed to safeguard our oldest, biggest trees as natural climate solutions,” said Brenna Stevens, Campaign Associate for Environment Oregon. These forests also offer recreational opportunities for many Oregonians.

The comment period followed the Forest Service’s June release of a Draft Environmental Impact Statement, which outlined new protections for old-growth trees, aiming to shield them from logging. Throughout the summer, Environment Oregon and OSPIRG Students  generated support for our oldest forests across Oregon and collected public comments to ensure that the Forests Service’s rule is as strong as it needs to be to protect Oregon’s old-growth trees.

The official public comment period closed on Friday, September 20 at 10:00 p.m. PT, marking the last chance for Oregonians to speak up and help ensure these ancient forests remain protected for future generations.

“Old-growth forests have been around longer than most people,” said Stevens. “If the Forest Service’s proposal is strong enough, they’ll be around for longer than we will. We’ll continue to fight on their behalf, because old-growth trees are worth more standing.”