To the Editor:

The recent announcement by the U.S. Forest Service of more potential logging in the new forest management proposals led some environmental groups to hype it as if every tree in the forest were going to be cut down. This is hardly the case. 

This plan would help biodiversity in our national forests. When areas are opened up to sunlight by logging or burning, the rapid regrowth creates early successional habitat that is vital for many types of wildlife to survive and thrive. With declining populations of deer, grouse, and woodcock, to name a few, this type of habitat is desperately needed. Songbirds, rabbits, mice, etc., also thrive in this habitat that, in turn, benefits predator animals, such as owls, bobcats, and foxes. 

This type of habitat is also critical to the continued growth of the very popular elk herd that was introduced in Western North Carolina. Our forests need to be managed for the wildlife as well as for recreational uses. Locking up millions of acres in wilderness with no management at all is not the answer.

Mark B. Rogers

Canton