John,

Mature and old-growth forests are a vital part of a healthy planet. They fight climate change by storing massive amounts of carbon; give a home to imperiled species like spotted owls, wolverines and bats; help support healthy watersheds; and withstand wildfire better than young forests.

Sadly, most old-growth forests have been logged. We need to save what’s left.

The U.S. Forest Service recently started a process that could restrict logging of old-growth forests and trees in all 128 national forests. This nationwide forest plan amendment will protect some climate-saving trees, but it leaves open loopholes that could allow logging of many others. The agency’s proposal also lacks safeguards for mature trees, which it defines as “the stage of forest development immediately before old growth.”

With so few old-growth forests left standing, the Forest Service should not sell what remains. The trees of today and tomorrow need real protection.

Tell Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to put strong safeguards for old-growth and mature forests in the Forest Service’s new plan.