Protesters claim that the Forest Service is breaking its own rules. The Eagle Creek area is classified as a municipal watershed. Watershed areas are set up to provide and maintain a fresh and clean supply of water to neighboring cities. Protesters claim that the Forest Service has allowed the sale of far too much land according to their own guidelines. They say the sale violates the Aquatic Conservation Strategy of the Northwest Forest Plan by failing to preserve water quality.
Protesters are also against plans to build roads.
Protesters cite the U.S. Forest Service recommendation that only a maximum of 10.3 million board feet be removed in a decade. The Eagle Creek sale has allowed for 26.4 million board feet to be cut in just four years. Oregon Senator Ron Wyden, Representatives David Wu and Earl Blumenauer, and Portland's mayor Vera Katz all have publicly opposed the sale. Copyright 2001 Clear Channel Communications. All Rights Reserved.