EUGENE, Ore. — President Trump has made a bold move to increase timber production on national forests. He has instructed federal agencies to ease restrictions, such as environmental protections, across 280 million acres of land.
This decision comes as he considers tariffs on timber imports from countries like Canada. Some Oregon environmental groups are worried. John Persell, a staff attorney with Oregon Wild, says the executive order aims to take advantage of public forests rather than protect them.
Travis Cameron, CEO of Sky-Em Timber, argues that loggers care about the forests. He states, “I don’t know any logging company wanting to harm our forests.” His perspective highlights a belief in responsible logging practices.
The order directs the Departments of the Interior and Agriculture to fast-track timber production. This includes rolling back regulations under key environmental laws like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act.
Environmental advocates, including Oregon Wild, express concern. They believe the order puts corporate interests ahead of conservation and may harm old-growth forests that help combat climate change, support wildlife, and improve fire resilience.
Persell points out that the guidelines don’t distinguish between different types of forests, raising alarms about potential damage to ecosystems. He emphasizes that Oregonians value preservation over exploitation.
In contrast, Sky-Em Timber sees the opportunity to drive economic growth in rural regions, address housing shortages, and create better forest management strategies. Cameron defends the logging industry, stating that they have made important progress in sustainable practices over the past two decades.
He insists that rules requiring replanting trees are still in place. Cameron argues that loggers aim for long-term health of the forest, not just immediate gains. “We’re not looking to clear-cut everything. We want forests that thrive for years ahead,” he explains.
As tensions rise, both conservationists and industry leaders are watching closely. Oregon Governor Kotek and state officials have not yet taken formal action, but environmental groups are considering legal challenges and advocating for stronger protections at the state level.
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Executive order,Oregon,Timber production,Environmental regulations,Endangered species,Conservation,Logging industry,Federal agencies
