In considering whether it makes sense for the Forest Service to allow chain saws into the Weminuche and South San Juan wilderness areas, I consider their argument that too many fallen trees across too many trails are impossible to clear using traditional wilderness techniques, and that this “unique” situation requires otherwise forbidden gasoline-powered chain saws. I also have to ask myself, “Do I trust that this is only a temporary relaxing of wilderness protections? Do I trust the Forest Service?” And the answer is, “No.”
I do not trust the Forest Service, or the Bureau of Land Management or the Fish and Wildlife Service, or any other government natural resource management agency under President Donald Trump. As these formerly admirable agencies are directed from Washington today, they are not stewards of our natural resources but facilitators of extraction, exploitation and extinction. Their direct orders are to decrease protections for public lands, endangered species and wild places, and they are doing so at every opportunity.
Americans understand that public lands are vital to our quality of life, our economy and our deepest values regarding wild, untouched landscapes and ecosystems. We so much want to be able to trust that the agencies we employ to maintain those values do not undermine them. But today – and until there is a change in leadership – we cannot.
Clint McKnight
Durango
