State Legislators Call on a Stronger National Old Growth Amendment

Today 81 legislators from 36 states and territories submitted comments to the USDA Forest Service supporting amending land management plans across the National Forest System and calling for a stronger National Old Growth Amendment. The comments called for three main changes to the current plans:

• The NOGA must end the logging of old-growth trees except in rare cases when required for public safety
• The NOGA must establish clear and enforceable guardrails for management that protect the limited remaining old-growth forest on the NFS from mismanagement
• The NOGA must begin to lay the groundwork for a sizable portion of mature forests to be able to develop into old-growth.

One of the simplest and most cost-effective approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation is to conserve the oldest forests as nature-based climate solutions. Mature and old-growth trees play an outsized role in carbon sequestration and storage. Old-growth forests also provide world-class outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting a thriving outdoor industry in many states, critical habitat for iconic and endangered species, hold deep cultural significance for many tribes, and they are connected to vital watersheds that Americans depend on for their drinking water. 

This letter was led by Oregon State Senator Jeff Golden.

Read the full letter here.

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Created by and for state legislators, the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that organizes over 1,300 environmentally-committed state legislators from all 50 states and both parties. NCEL provides venues and opportunities for lawmakers to share ideas and collaborate on environmental issues.