Resources: A Few Diverse Forest Advocacy Groups

FOREST IN FOG. These misty trees were photographed near Jonas Ridge in North Carolina’s Linville Gorge. PHOTO BY STEPHEN SCHOOF

Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition (SAFC). Umbrella organization addressing threats to southern Appalachians. Longterm Goal: to link a protected network of ecologically-sound native forests across the region to protect clean air and water, wildlife habitat and corridors, and human recreation. www.safc.org

Healing Harvest Forest Coalition Horse Logger Jason Rutledge promotes the “tree roots” movement of low-impact, restorative forestry, providing wood products and local jobs without destroying eco-systems. “What is best for ecology is best for the economy and community.” rutledge@swva.net

Republicans for Environmental Protection. In the spirit of Theodore Roosevelt, this grassroots organization of “Republicans who care about preserving America’s Natural heritage” opposes corrupted government policies allowing private industry to monopolize public lands. www.repamerica.org

Campaign for America’s Wilderness. Network of citizens working to protect unspoiled National Forest treasures for hunting, fishing, hiking and wildlife habitat, through increase of wilderness or scenic area designations. www.leaveitwild.org

Sierra Club. Well-organized vehicle for grassroots lobbying, information networking and citizen participation in local and federal conservation issues. www.sierraclub.org

The Wilderness Society. Working to protect America’s last wild places in public lands. Helped pass the Wilderness Act of 1964. www.wilderness.org

Religious Campaign for Forest Conservation. People of faith advocating for “the spiritual qualities and non-economic values of forests” as God’s creation. “The utilitarian values which have shaped forest policy are not adequate for a full assessment of the values and worth of the forest.”

Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics.
A nonprofit comprised of Forest Service employees dedicated to upholding ethical standards in Forest Service policy and reporting and opposing policies, designed by or required of the agency, that do not serve the public’s interest or its lands. www.fseee.org.

—LF