Political Solutions
Preserving Wisconsin’s national forest
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest (CNNF) has been identified as one of the “10 most endangered national forests” in the nation. It is one of the most heavily-logged national forests in the Eastern U.S.
It’s a very special place. CNNF covers approximately 1.5 million acres in 
the northern part of the state, including numerous rivers and more than 300 species of animals. The CNNF consists primarily of northern hardwood, mixed conifer, and aspen trees, along with numerous rivers, lakes and other waterways. Its habitat include several endangered and threatened species, such as the Northern goshawk, Red-shouldered hawk and American pine marten.
Yet, at the rate of cutting employed over the last 10 years, every single log-able acre would be cut in 45 years. The harmful impacts of such extensive logging on waterways, habitat and related natural resources and conservation goals are significant. What’s more, scientific research is beginning to show that logging in the CNNF may contribute to global warming.
Th
e Chequamegon Ecosystem Atmosphere Study—a multi-organizational research effort studying biosphere/atmosphere interactions within the forest—points to the role of Wisconsin forests in sequestering carbon dioxide produced in North America. Widespread logging in CNNF is creating a younger, more fragmented forest and turning this potentially huge carbon sink into a net emitter of carbon.
The Environmental Law & Policy Center is working through federal courts to protect this treasured resource. Learn about CNNF litigation and advocacy here. You can hear ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner talk about our efforts to slow the rate of logging in this interview with Milwaukee Public Radio.
The U.S. Forest Service continues to claim that logging improves habitat for sensitive species. But fewer trees and more animals just doesn’t add up. Studies show that widespread logging of mature northern hardwoods and aspen has harmed populations of some threatened and endangered species in Wisconsin.
We need to restore ecological balance to this very special place in the Midwest.
ELPC doesn’t want logging to stop—just to be more balanced with environmental considerations. In so doing, we can continue logging employment where it makes sense, while also preserving the outdoor environment for the growing tourism industry.
How your can help
Please consider making a donation to help support ELPC’s work to protect and preserve Wisconsin’s Northwoods as we head into 2008. Also, write to the Forest Service and tell them to keep forest sustainable for years to come.
Send or email a letter to:
Forest Service Supervisor Jeanne Higgins
jmhiggins@fs.fed.us OR
CNNF Headquarters
Forest Service Supervisor Jeanne Higgins
1170 4th Avenue South
Park Falls, WI 54552
Letter-writing tips
Remember to include the following key points in your letter:
• CNNF is an important natural resource for Wisconsin.
• The Forest Service needs to do a better job of monitoring the impacts of our important Wisconsin resource and rely on the best science available.
• Make it personal. One of the best ways to get the attention of the Forest Service is to demonstrate the impact of their decisions on you and your family.
• Keep it short and sweet. The tone of the letter should always be courteous and short enough to make sure your point does not get lost.
• Include your name, home address and contact information.
• Follow-up. If your letter goes unanswered, drop a quick note to your recipient to make sure your letter was in fact received.
• Email ELPC. We would love to see a copy of your letter—email it to kdixon@elpc.org.
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February 6th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
I was born in Northern California in the beautiful Rockies. Moving to Wisconsin when I was 12 was difficult but the natural beauty of my small community in North Central Wisconsin eased the ache for those mountains. Some of my best memories growing through my teen years are of the shining fast rails at the tobagon hill in CNNF and of the tall, strong and comforting pines and whispering aspens. Dad and I tracked a variety of animals all throughout the year - not to harvest or harm them. Just to quietly observe them in their world. It grieves me deeply to consider that the hawks and others may not be there for my grandchildren to see, let along those sheltering trees. Can you picture a world without the crisp, clean smell and lush bounty of forests like those in CNNF? Please support legislation to protect this vulnerable treasure for me, for my grandchildren and for humanity.