What an interesting thread. There are a number of facts that lead me to probably support this.

1. Although the forest practices in Washington State are much better now, there is no question that previous logging efforts have led to great environmental destruction.


2. The lands that are National Forest are, in fact, public lands. In our country the public is one man, one vote. Just because you live near public lands does not give you more than one vote. If you don't like it, move to Iran.

3. The nature of a renewable forest is rooted in the creation of a monoculture. Monoculture does not offer the diversity that a number of species require.

4. For those lands that are not public, the landowner has the right to sell to whoever they choose. If the folks who live and work on the OP want those lands to be "their forests", buy the lands. It's the American way.

My opinion is that I am mad as hell that the logging companies, landowners, and loggers that caused so much damage have essentially skated on their responsibility while laughing all the way to the bank. Cause damage - kaching! Kill fish runs - kaching! It is a tough thing for folks that are doing the right thing now to pay a price for the sins of their fathers, but that is the way it goes sometimes.