Then all the little trees scatter out, providing more space. The purpose of the exercise is to help them visualize the benefits of thinning the forest. Often, the very organizations that preach the gospel of environmental education are actually industry shills. They have earthy names but clandestine roots. I first encountered PLT several summers ago when I was asked to lead a tour of teachers through Opal Creek, a wilderness area in the Williamatte National Forest.
Opal Creek is perhaps the most intact, pristine low-elevation watershed in the Pacific Northwest.
Ironically, it has been preserved thanks to the efforts of the very activists that organizations like PLT oppose. I arrived early at our meeting place by the clear waters of the Santiam River, with its giant trees providing the backdrop on that sun-drenched day. I felt honored by the opportunity to hike with teachers from across the globe and discuss the old-growth forest that I had defended in a presentation before a US Senate committee. Kathy McGlauflin, vice president of PLT, accompanied us on our sojourn. We walked two miles along some of Opal Creek's most spectacular riparian zones.