When these fields are replanted, the new forest is often much less diverse than the original one. For example, if there are ten different types of trees in a forest and a fungus attacks one type, the forest will only lose one tenth of its trees. On the other hand, if the forest was replanted with only two types of trees the forest could lose half of its trees from one wave of disease. They may never return if the forest is cut down. On the other hand are the more human issues.
People rely on the resources of forests for their livelihood and recreation.
It would be short-sighted to attempt to ban logging totally when we need paper and other products produced from trees. Because the forests provide employment for many people, the ELCA recognizes the importance of a compromise that will uphold the dignity and worth of all people involved. It stands to reason that neither side would benefit from the complete loss of forests. The ELCA endorsed the Heritage Forest Campaign because it represents a suitable compromise. The campaign submitted its ideas to the White House and to the U.S. Forest Service .