Recent federal policy changes could affect the management of – and timber sales within – our local national forests. WMRA's Randi B. Hagi reports.
[sound of lake lapping at shore, bird calls]
Switzer Lake, nestled among the ridges of Shenandoah Mountain in Rockingham County, is a popular spot for anglers, campers, and kayakers. But the dense woods surrounding the lake could be at an increased risk for commercial timber sales following recent edicts from the Trump administration.
Earlier this month, Brooke Rollins – the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture – declared an "Emergency Situation Determination," or ESD, on 112.6 million acres – nearly 60% – of National Forest lands across the country.
In the memo, Rollins cites President Donald Trump's executive order calling for the expansion of American timber production. She wrote that it's vital to [quote] "increase domestic timber production to protect our national and economic security," as well as reduce wildfire disasters and improve wildlife habitats. The ESD designation is justified by fire risk, tree disease, or insect infestation.
As the Associated Press reported, this designation eliminates an objection process by which conservation groups, Native tribes and local governments can challenge logging proposals in national forests.
A map outlining affected forest areas is available online. When enlarged and overlaid on a U.S. Forest Service map, targeted areas appear to include large swaths of the George Washington, Jefferson and Monongahela National Forests – including recreation areas such as Switzer Lake, Hone Quarry, Fridley Gap, Sherando Lake, Seneca Rocks, and Spruce Knob.
It also appears to include wilderness areas that are legally protected from timber cutting, such as Ramseys Draft and Saint Mary's.
Calls to regional Forest Service officials on Thursday were not returned at the time of publication.
