Action Alert!!

     Attention readers!!    If you're from Massachusetts please pay careful attention. There is a move under foot to prohibit clear cutting in state forests and parks. This is bad. There are numerous species that depend on second growth, successional forest, and clear cutting is the only way to see to it this habitat is sustained. Responsible management of our woodland habitat means responsible clear cutting. While a clear cut is initially unsightly, within one year it is again green, and filled with an abundance of wildlife. Areas where clear cutting has been done are about the only areas where song birds can be heard anymore. A law banning clear cutting would prevent our wildlife and forestry managers from properly managing for balanced, and sustainable forests, thus preventing the growth of specific habitat much of our wildlife, both game species, and non-game species alike, need.

Here is the bill:
http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/UserFiles/File/Bill%20H02006%20to%20ban%20clearcutting%20on%20all%20state%20lands.pdf

Here is the Ruffed Grouse Society's letter to the state:
http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/UserFiles/File/RGS%20comments%20on%20MA%20H2006%20Act%20to%20prohibit%20clear%20cutting%20on%20state%20lands.pdf

And here's what you can do. http://www.malegislature.gov/ Look up your legislator, and let him know you think a ban on clear cutting is unwise. Send him/her as much information as possible, and even offer to take them for a walk in a properly managed wood lot. If you need help, Massachusetts has two RGS chapters who'd be thrilled you're getting involved, and would be more than happy to provide you with information.