‘Dead’ trees still serve a purpose in forests

I would like to add some additional context to a recent letter to the Herald regarding why logging sales should not be linked to school construction funding.

Wind, fire and rain have been part of forest ecology for millions of years. The best “carbon sinks” are mature forests that consist of diverse species of plants and animals. Mature forests consist of trees of many ages and states of health. “Dead” trees provide the best homes for birds and animals. Forest ecosystems have not evolved to require management with heavy equipment despite the self-serving claims from the logging industry.

This is true not only for the “Box of Rain” forest in Whatcom County, but for natural forests throughout the Cascade and Olympic mountains. It is time for the Washington Department of Natural Resources to recognize what science has learned about our forest environment.

Malcolm Cumming

Clinton