Seeing The Forests For Their Green

A new report disproves the myth that rural communities need to chop down their local National Forests in order to enjoy a healthy economy. In fact, the report, conducted by the independent economic analysis firm ECONorthwest and commissioned by the Sierra Club, found that recreation in our National Forests generates 25 times more money for the American economy than does logging on those lands. ECONorthwest reached four major conclusions - and exploded some longstanding myths - in their study: (1) National and regional economies are not dependent on logging National Forests; (2) Recreation, clean water and wildlife habitat in National Forest are worth much more than logging in economic benefits and jobs; (3) Logging has badly hurt the National Forests' ability to provide money-makers like recreation and clean water; and (4) Investing in restoration can provide immediate and long-term ecological and economic benefits.