The Forest Service is trying to meet the demand for wood products, such as lumber for home construction. Additionally, the agency is addressing the need to protect existing homes from wildfires.
But that’s not all. The Forest Service is also responding to requests for activities like fishing, hiking, hunting, cycling, wildlife viewing, erosion control, and more.
With so many demands, the Forest Service has its hands full.
A notable coincidence
Amid concerns about rising home prices and homelessness in America, the Forest Service’s efforts to meet the demand for lumber are timely.
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A recent Wall Street Journal video highlighted the housing inequality in the U.S., where older individuals live in luxury while younger ones are facing homelessness.
This economic divide has been a topic of discussion for decades, with reports dating back to the 1990s.
While this social issue extends beyond the Forest Service’s scope, it raises questions about whom the agency is expected to serve.
The Forest Service’s handling of old growth timber is also under scrutiny, as it is valuable and in demand for housing construction.
Preserving old growth timber
Gifford Pinchot, a former head of the Forest Service, emphasized the importance of natural resources benefiting all people, not just a select few.
In the mid-20th century, the U.S. passed policies aiming to provide decent homes for every American family.
Dealing with wildfires
As the Forest Service tackles the issue of homes at risk from wildfires, it faces challenges due to climate change and a backlog of acres needing fire management.
This task is made even harder by an increasingly heated atmosphere, which may lead to more wildfires in the future.
Lance Olsen is a longtime student of environmental issues.
