Save the ancient redwoods

Regarding the editorial ``Computerized Ecology,'' Oct. 12: A number of environmentalists have used satellite images and on-the-ground mapping to get accurate pictures of what old-growth forests are remaining. Yet in violation of basic principles of conservation biology, the Clinton forest policy would fragment the larger blocks of old-growth forest habitat (by road-building and logging) even in the biologically diverse Klamath/Siskiyou area of northwestern California and southwestern Oregon.

Despite the bleak prospects (even under the new administration) for the forest ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies, there is a glimmer of hope in the position of Jim Lyons, assistant secretary of agriculture, regarding the last redwood wilderness area (near Humboldt Bay, southeast of Eureka, Calif.). Mr. Lyons has indicated interest in HR 2866, proposed by Rep. Dan Hamburg (D) of California, to negotiate the acquisition of up to 44,000 acres of the 72,000 acre greater Headwaters Forest ecosystem. Almost all of this area is owned by Maxxam Inc., which has increased the logging rate of the ancient redwoods.

It is time to protect these ancient redwood stands, streams, and wildlife corridors, as well as to create jobs through rehabilitation of damaged watersheds in the area. Bruce Campbell, Los Angeles

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