The
paper explains that development is threatening the ancient forests and that
timber companies would like to log the few remaining 1,000 year old, 300 foot trees in the Pacific Northwest. The
writer explains that the destruction of the forests destroys vital ecosystems, contributes to global warming and helps create climate changes. The paper explains the effects of timber operations and discusses the
forest health in the Pacific Northwest. The paper explains that the United States Forest Service is the steward of America's national forests. It explains that this agency has received much criticism and explains why. The writer states that the national forest timber sales program operated at a net loss to taxpayers and details the reasons for this. In conclusion, the writer argues that government dumping of cheap timber makes the market unpredictable for
private sector commodity suppliers. The writer feels that the United States Forest Service should abandon its role as a producer of
commodities as commodity production is best left to the private sector. Table of Contents: Effects of Timber Operations Forest Health in the Pacific Northwest Forest Service Water Supply Facts About Timber Sales Jobs and Economy Timber Supply Private Lands Figures Bibliography