To say that logging is unethical is absurd. Logging
is necessary to produce many types of products that people use
every day. The sheer size of Redwoods is what makes them such
a perfect tree for lumber. When a logging company cuts down trees
in a given area they have regulations they follow and they replant
trees after they cut down the existing ones. In addition logging
companies sell land to create parks and preserve ecosystems. These
regulations and preserves are even more important when dealing
with an area like the Redwoods of Northern California.
There is a huge demand for wood in the United States. The size
and girth of redwood trees make them perfect for lumber. In addition
redwood trees are used for many different types of products such
as furniture, decks, houses and many more products. There is a
demand for Redwood and it must come from somewhere. The land that
is being logged is not public land though. It is land that was
bought back in the late 1800's in some cases. It was bought specifically
for the purpose of logging. The land being logged belongs to the
logging companies, and as their land it is their right to do with
it as they see fit. It is not unethical for them to cut down trees
on their own land. It is more unethical for people to trespass
on their land and tell them what to do with it. If the logging
in Redwoods were stopped then the prices on Redwood products would
go up considerably.
When logging companies cut down trees
in the Redwoods they have many regulations and policies that they
follow so they do not damage the ecosystem. There is a buffer
zone between rivers and where the companies log. That means the
companies do not log within a certain area around area with water.
This greatly reduces soil run off and protects the rivers and
streams. In order to preserve ecosystems and endangered species
the companies sell portions of their land to preservation groups
to form parks. Other areas are designated critical habitat for
endangered species such as the Northern Spotted Owl and the Marbled
Murrelet. For instance, the Pacific Lumber Company created the
Headwaters Forest Preserve in 1999. It consisted of 3,000 acres
of old growth redwood forest and 4,500 acres of young growth redwoods.(1)
As new information is found out about logging, new laws and regulations
are created in order to protect the land as much as possible.
Any unforeseen damages are cleaned up and paid for by the companies.
Logging companies also replant trees as the log so that the forests
will grow back. The goal is not to destroy ecosystems, but to
gather trees while preserving the ecosystems for future generations.
In conclusion it is not unethical to log redwoods, especially
if it is done in an environmentally conscious way. Logging companies
do everything they can to preserve forests while providing affordable
lumber that Americans need for their homes. Lumber companies strive
to follow all of the regulations put out by the government. They
also try to appease the environmentalists who will go to extreme
measures to make lumber companies appear to be evil corporations.
All the Corporations are trying to do is provide a necessary service
for Americans.
Above:Redwood nursery
1) "Maintaing the Proud History of Forest Care." Pacific Logging Company. . . 12 May 2002.
<http://www.palco.com/parks.htm>.
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The Pacific
Logging Company Since 1869, The Pacific
Lumber Company has been growing trees, making wood products,
employing people in Northern California and maintaining our proud
history of forest care. |
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"Maintaing the Proud History of Forest Care." Pacific Logging Company |
