February 22, 2022 3:00 a.m.

5 Democratic members of Oregon’s Congressional Delegation have asked the U.S. Departments of Interior and Agriculture to follow Congressional intent in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to protect and restore old-growth forests as well as protect other carbon-rich mature forests in Oregon and nationwide.

A release said Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley and Representatives Peter DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer and Suzanne Bonamici wrote that the U.S. Forest Service’s climate plan and 10-year wildfire strategy of hazardous fuel treatments and prescribed fire to reduce wildfire risks also must recognize the climate crisis and expand to include plans for mature and old-growth forests.

The release said their letter – also signed by 19 Senate and House colleagues – noted that the legislation also included historic investments in wildfire risk reduction and forest restoration on national forests and public lands. They said that requires prioritization of funding for projects that fully maintain or contribute toward restoring the structure and composition of old-growth stands consistent with the characteristics of that forest type.

The lawmakers asked in their letter for answers to a number of questions by the end of March.

The full letter is linked: https://www.wyden.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2022-02-17%20DOI%20and%20USDA%20Old%20Growth.pdf