Q: Thank you for joining us today.
Phillip Elden: It’s my pleasure. Thanks for having me.
Q: Please explain to our readers what logging entails.
Phillip Elden: Logging is the process of cutting down trees and transporting the logs to sawmills.
Q: Why is your group against this recent proposal initiated by Bybee?
Phillip Elden: The problem with Bybee’s proposal is that their plan is to not just to cut young trees, but to cut down trees up to 4 feet in diameter.
Q: How old are these trees?
Phillip Elden: This log sale would cut 300- to 400-year-old trees—we can’t let that happen.
Q: Would the proposed project destroy wildlife habitat?
Phillip Elden: Absolutely.
Q: Can you name some other environmental impacts of logging?
Phillip Elden: Forest fires, loss of biodiversity, problems for marine life, global warming, soil erosion, to name a few.
Q: Is all logging bad?
Phillip Elden: No, some amount of logging is always necessary from an economic standpoint, and some amount of logging is also an important element in the prevention of unintended forest fires.
Q: So logging must be based on preservation of the ecosystems rather than market demand for timber?
Phillip Elden: The timber industry is vital to Oregon’s economy, but we do not want to risk damaging the ecosystem in the process.
Q: What are you and fellow conservation groups going to do about it?
Phillip Elden: We need to keep a very close watch on the developments of the Bybee proposal and be prepared to fight if necessary.
Q: How much of Oregon is currently dedicated to wilderness?
Phillip Elden: Roughly 4 percent of Oregon, compared with 8 percent of Idaho, 10 percent of Washington, and 15 percent of California.
Q: Does logging play an important part in Oregon’s economy?
Phillip Elden: Yes, it does, but I doubt that visitors come to Crater Lake for the logging business. They come to enjoy the beauty of this area.
Q: What is the Crater Lake area known for?
Phillip Elden: The area is home to several species of rare fish, wildlife and plants.
Q: What about recreational activities?
Phillip Elden: Visitors flock to the area to camp, fish, hike and ski.
Q: And all this could be threatened by logging?
Phillip Elden: Exactly.
Q: How much does Crater Lake tourism contribute to the local economy?
Phillip Elden: Crater Lake tourism contributes $34 million to local communities per year and creates about 565 jobs.
Q: Any final words?
Phillip Elden: We’re going to fight to prevent piece-by-piece destruction of some of the last remaining old growth.
