Submitted by ICEOUTofNJ t3_11em883 in newjersey
Under "NJ Forestry Task Force framework [released on 2/22], all publicly owned land in the state is essentially available to the forestry industry to log for profit under the guise of a “conservation purpose.” Laura Oltman of Support Roaring Rock Park and the New Jersey Highlands Coalition cautions all of us about logging interests influence over policies and potential legislation related to our public forests because she has seen this before. "I know this because I fought against exactly such a logging project that was allowed by the DEP and Green Acres at Roaring Rock Park in Washington Township, Warren County. The project would have ultimately allowed 395 publicly owned, wooded acres on steep slopes, bisected by a C1 stream, to be logged for profit for the benefit of the township coffers. This is the real controversy. "
bluething79 t1_jaexqeq wrote
Not arguing that there will be money made but let us not overlook the fact that these cuts also allow for regeneration of old growth forests which, in turn, invites native flora & fauna species to reclaim areas taken over by invasive species. It allows the land to regenerate much like it would have before we began disallowing forestry such as this. “Back in the day” natural disasters like fires, flooding, etc may have wiped land clean but the land did regenerate naturally.
This is a complex debate that deserves more scrutiny by people making their own decisions after being properly educated. We need to listen to each other and learn together. The old growth forest looks very pretty with all those big beautiful oaks, maples, etc but is that the only sign of a healthy forests??
Trust me, I’m not here to argue and insult other people, just presenting a very high level overview of another thought process.