Claiming that the burning of wood would be carbon neutral ignores new evidence that mature forests store as much or more additional carbon per year than young growth; that we do not have 40 years to wait for regrowing forests to capture the carbon released by burning; that there is no assurance that logged lands will be allowed to regrow trees for 40 years. 

 

Increased logging would also mean increased habitat for disease carrying ticks and rodents, increased areas vulnerable to invasive species, and probably increased use of herbicides and other toxins.

 

The number of  jobs to be created by increased logging is minor.  The potential loss of jobs as Western Mass becomes scarred by clearcuts and less attractive to visitors and relocating families could be major. Preserving the environment and job creation would be better served by employing loggers and others to combat invasive plants that are damaging our forests, fields, agricultural lands and waterways.

 

We live in a less affluent, less convenient region because it is beautiful.  Please do not let logging for energy mar this beauty.

 

Robert Cherdack

1180 Hawley Road

Ashfield, MA 01330

 

413 625 6206