Target: Randy Moore, Chief of the U.S. Forest Service
Goal: Demand the protection of vital recovery zones for an imperiled population of grizzly bears.
Back in 2021, the United States Forest Service–a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture–approved a massive logging project that would clear thousands of acres of forest on the east side of Montana’s Paradise Valley. This reckless destruction–set to take place just north of Yellowstone National Park–would threaten grizzly bear populations in areas designated vital recovery zones. If these plans are seen to completion, they would slow the recovery of these imperiled bears, further isolate Yellowstone grizzly populations, and decrease genetic diversity, in turn harming future reproductive success. These plans also strongly counteract Biden’s climate initiative. Destroying acres of old-growth, carbon-storing forests would release significant amounts of carbon into the atmosphere and contribute to the already mounting effects of global warming.
Recently, multiple conservation groups have filed a lawsuit against this agency to challenge its poor decisions. Sign this petition to demand the U.S. Forest Service keeps these vital grizzly recovery habitats intact and considers the impacts of their decision on imperiled bear populations and global climate.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Chief Moore,
It has recently come to public attention that your agency approved of a massive logging project just north of Yellowstone National Park. This operation is set to take place in an area designated a vital recovery zone for a population of grizzly bears, in an old-growth forest containing some of the region’s oldest and largest trees. Not only will your destruction of acres upon acres of grizzly bear habitat further slow the population recovery and further isolate the bears–both genetically and geographically–, it will also strongly counteract the pledges made by our President to take more initiative on behalf of the planet. Tearing down forests will release tons of carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming effects.
We are asking you, Mr. Moore, not to go through with these plans. Your decision has implications for the rest of the world.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Gregory “Slobirdr” Smith
