In one case from Southwest Washington, 12 acres of 80-year-old Douglas Firs were clearcut despite state logging regulations which were instituted to protect endangered salmon. Although the violations can bring heavy fines, Forestry Department enforcement is often rare. Some of the logs from that cut were turned into a $20,000 new roof for an old lodge; now it’s a grim reminder of the evergreens which once towered over it.

Get full text; support writer, producer of the words: http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/02/08/boy-scouts-of-america-clearcut-forests-leave-no-trace/

In another case, the Scouts bent rules to salvage timber along the Illinois River watershed in Oregon, which was declared one of the nation’s Wild and Scenic Rivers in 1984.

The practice of salvage harvesting might better be called savage harvesting due to its highly destructive impact on the forest ecosystem. Despite the evidence against them, national Scout spokesmen have disavowed the reports, citing that the Scouts have always stood for good stewardship.

But one Spokane-based council executive was quoted excusing the accusations, saying “…our mission is kids, not trees.” So far, there’s no news yet that any Forestry Merit Badges have been rescinded due to the allegations.

Get full text; support writer, producer of the words: http://planetsave.com/blog/2009/02/08/boy-scouts-of-america-clearcut-forests-leave-no-trace/