WildEarth Guardians

Tuesday, May 16, 2006
WildEarth Guardians Statement Regarding the New Mexico Forest Restoration Principles

We believe if biomass is going to be a by-product of community fire protection or forest restoration projects, these principles will begin to assure protection
Contact: WildEarth Guardians

WildEarth Guardians participated, upon invitation, in the Biomass Evaluation Taskforce from which the NM Forest Restoration Principles arose. We believe if biomass is going to be a by-product of community fire protection or forest restoration projects, these principles will begin to assure protection for the wildlife and water that is so valuable to the State of New Mexico. If wild forests are to survive, communities need to be fire-proofed and some low-elevation, dry forests will require restoration in order to withstand natural fire. The next step for this taskforce is to secure funding and support for a biomass feasibility study in the state. Land managers, businesses, and conservationists need to know with certainty that there will be a sustainable biomass by-product with the necessary environmental safeguards in place. That question has not been answered; presently we are proceeding in a car with no windows or steering wheel. At least we now have brakes.