A logging project in Vermont is testing President Joe Biden’s executive order on climate and old-growth protections in national forests. The Telephone Gap Integrated Resource Project in the Green Mountain National Forest aims to reduce carbon emissions and harvest timber simultaneously. However, the project is facing opposition from environmentalists, and the incoming Trump administration will have the final say. The project covers 35,489 acres of the national forest and targets 7,279 acres for harvest over a seven- to 10-year period. It also includes trail and recreational improvements and 3,500 acres of new tree plantings. What sets this project apart is that the Forest Service has calculated its greenhouse gas emissions and impact on mature and old-growth forests, in line with President Biden’s executive order. This project is significant as it showcases the Forest Service’s efforts to balance timber harvesting and conservation. However, it also highlights the ongoing conflict between environmentalists and the agency. The Trump administration, known for its pro-timber stance, will have the final say on the project, which could have implications for future forest management decisions. The project’s success or failure could set a precedent for how the Forest Service navigates the delicate balance between timber harvesting and conservation in the face of climate change.
Lun. Dic 23rd, 2024
