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