The U.S. Forest Service just started a process to amend every national forest plan in the country to protect old growth. It could become one of the most important protections for federal forests that we have seen in decades. However, to be successful, the proposed amendment must protect all existing old-growth and, critically, chart a course that allows mature forests to develop into old growth. We need your help to ensure that the U.S. Forest Service strengthens the proposal to protect our oldest forests!

Friend,

I feel the most at peace when I'm in a forest. There's something about the way the sunlight filters through the tree leaves, the smell of earth and twigs, the sound of birds singing and squirrels running along branches. My love and appreciation for forests have grown more over time -- I even went camping for my honeymoon!

I picked up foraging for mushrooms and other wild foods a few years ago. Interacting with forests in such a hands-on way has helped me better understand just how connected everything is. I've noticed that a strong network of fungi is healthier if the forest and trees are older. It's clear that allowing time for those symbiotic relationships to form is critical for a thriving forest ecosystem. However, our oldest forests are still at risk of being cut down in the name of "management."

The U.S. Forest Service is considering a proposal that could protect old-growth forests from logging. Will you join me in demanding stronger protections for our forests by submitting a comment today?