Klamath-Siskyou Wildlands Center

April 5, 2006


Some of the Most Valuable Wildlife Habitat in the Lower 48

The Klamath National Forest in the far northern reaches of California is currently home to well-known at-risk species such as salmon, steelhead, and spotted owls as well as lesser-known old-growth-associated species like goshawks, Pacific fishers, and martens. The mountain trails, clear streams, and old-growth forests of the Klamath are a world-renowned Mecca for hikers, kayakers, bikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers of all stripes.

This view of Mt. Shasta was taken from Pluto's Cave on the Klamath National Forest. Photo: courtesy KS Wild archives

Unfortunately, where most people see some of the last, best, unspoiled wild lands in the Lower 48, the timber planners in the Klamath National Forest see "decadent" old growth that they wish to convert into industrial tree plantations for the benefit of the timber industry.

Three Terrible Timber Sales

Currently the timber planners in the Klamath National Forest are pushing three old-growth timber sales that would remove ancient forests that stood tall before our nation was founded.

The Horse Heli Timber Sale calls for logging 800 acres of mature and old-growth Shasta red fir forests along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Siskiyou Crest portion of the Klamath Mountains. The Siskiyou Crest is a rare "land bridge" that connects important wildlife habitat in the Klamath Mountains with other forests in the Cascades and Coast Ranges. This habitat connectivity is critically important to keep at-risk species from becoming genetically isolated.

The Meteor Timber Sale would log 744 acres in the spectacular Salmon River watershed, threatening ancient forests, spotted owl "critical habitat," and popular Wild and Scenic River corridors. It would also increase sediment levels in this important watershed for salmon and steelhead.

The Knob Timber Sale would log another 578 acres of old-growth forests in the Salmon River watershed. Currently
these forests provide astounding recreational, wildlife, and watershed benefits to the public. By removing the large fire-resistant trees and replanting with young fiber plantations, the timber sale may increase the risk of a stand-replacing fire event.

Pluto's Cave, on the Klamath National Forest is a popular spot for citizens to recreate, and is also targeted for sale under Bush's proposed 2007 budget. Photo: courtesy KS Wild archives

Locals Stand Up for Watersheds and Wildlife

The Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center (KS Wild), the Environmental Protection and Information Center (EPIC), and the Klamath Forest Alliance (KFA) are appealing and litigating all three of these proposed old-growth sales.

The forests and critters of the Klamath National Forest need your help. Please visit www.kswild.org to get involved. For more information: call 541/488-5789 or visit www.kswild.org



This article can be found online at www.treesfoundation.org/publications/article-243

Forest & River News is produced by Trees Foundation.