It is quick, easy, and allows for species richness. It is the ideological enemy of old-growth because old growth stands are even aged. To allow this output to be sustained, Congress passed what is known as The Salvage Logging Rider. Directly related to the mill town shut downs and economic despair is the Spotted Owl. This would be the result of further habitat protection for the spotted owl, that is to say further old-growth protection.
Environmentalists justify it by claiming the spotted owl is an indicator species.
This is a species that is at the top of the food chain, and when in decline, represents a generally unbalanced ecosystem. Here the debate becomes very clear. Finally, we have to face the issue of heritage. These forests are our living heritage. After they are cut, they will take centuries, somewhere in the neighborhood of five or six, to regenerate to the point at which they presently exist.