Federal law allows citizens to appeal timber sales in national forests when sales threaten biological integrity. Few sales are appealed, though, because the complex process is daunting. In any event, SWAN has always followed the letter of the law in its appeals. Technology and automation have taken away more timber industry jobs than any other cause. What used to take a team of men is now a one-person job.
Machines mow down forests much as a lawn mower cuts grass.
New mechanized, computerized mills handle logs automatically with very little manpower. Minnesota's two national forests, the Chippewa and Superior, comprise approximately 17 percent of total forest land in the state. The main factor threatening species survival is fragmentation and degradation of habitat. Or we can stop thinking of our national forests as profit centers for industry, and help loggers at the same time. Filing frivolous lawsuits against citizens who speak out on behalf of the natural world to intimidate them and others should not be one of those choices.