In Order to Extinguish Forest Fires, Don't Let Logging Burn Out

Publication Date: September 2008

Publisher: National Center for Policy Analysis (U.S.)

Author(s): Lani Cohan; H. Sterling Burnett

Research Area: Environment

Keywords: Wildfires; Logging

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Federal mismanagement of U.S. forests has increased the number, size and cost of wildfires over the past decade. Historically, the national forests have been logged to provide lumber for commercial activities, to promote forest recreation, species protection and management, and to prevent wildfires. In recent decades this has changed. Pressure and lawsuits from environmental lobbyists have prevented or delayed both commercial and salvage logging, turning many of our national forests into tinderboxes.