Climate: F

  • The U.S. Forest Service is the manager of the largest stock of carbon-storage forests in the country. Yet the climate and carbon-storage benefits of mature, intact forests are not included in any of the plan’s decision-making.
  • Increased timber harvests are prioritized over the climate and ecological benefits of mature, intact forests.
  • The Forest Plan does not measure climate impacts of quadrupling timber harvests.
  • This 30-year plan results in significant climate harm that will affect the region for decades.
  • The plan has not evaluated the impact of substantially increased timber harvests, road building, and pesticide runoff on air quality, water quality, and public health.
  • The plan has not evaluated the impact of quadrupling logging, hundreds of miles of road construction, and increased pesticide runoff on the health of diverse, vulnerable communities most affected by the climate crisis.
  • The plan proposes logging the Pisgah-Nantahala’s mature and old-growth forests, which store the most carbon and are our country’s best natural climate defense.

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Protected Areas: F

The plan fails to protect over 101,000 acres of most important conservation and recreation hotspots. More than half of the most popular forest in the country is in highest priority logging designations.

Craggy National Scenic Area: D

The Forest Scenic Area designation for part of Craggy provides key support for the proposed Craggy National Scenic Area, and the final plan included an additional 700 acres. However, the plan places