Halt the Forest Service’s Southside Timber Sale @ Chattooga & Whitewater River Headwaters

Halt the Forest Service’s Southside Timber Sale @ Chattooga & Whitewater River Headwaters

Started
April 19, 2021
Petition to
James Melonas and 1 other
Signatures: 2,148Next Goal: 2,500
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Why this petition matters

Despite overwhelming public opposition during the 2-year public input process, the Nantahala Ranger District is now moving ahead with their very controversial Southside ProjectTimber sale boundaries are being flagged, and trees are being marked for cutting.

Register your continued opposition to the Forest Service’s SOUTHSIDE PROJECT now!  The harmful logging project would:

  • Cut old growth on top of Brushy Mountain that contains trees over 220 years old. Only ½ of 1% of native old growth forests remain in the southeastern US.  Existing old growth should not be destroyed.
  •  Destroy critical habitat for the imperiled Green Salamander.  Its populations have experienced a precipitous 98% decline since 1970.
  • Log stands of large, old trees surrounding the Round Mountain spur of the iconic Foothills Trail.
  • Cut big trees on steep, erodible slopes on the banks of the Whitewater River, which is being considered for Wild & Scenic eligibility.
  • Not use contemporary scientific information to reduce carbon emissions, bolster resilience to climate change, and protect sensitive irreplaceable natural resources on our public lands.
  • Lose taxpayer’s money

The lead Forest Service personnel responsible for approving the Southside Project have retired.  Now there’s a new district ranger for the Nantahala Ranger District, and a new forest supervisor for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest.  Today, the Forest Service has the total discretionary authority to revisit this bad project, and make changes to its most contentious elements.  

What can you do?  Sign this petition and ask that the Forest Service halt the Southside Project, and consider alternatives.  The Southside Project should be reviewed and modified or withdrawn pursuant to the Biden Administration’s Executive Order 13990.  Please make your voice heard!

Support now
Signatures: 2,148Next Goal: 2,500
Support now
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Decision Makers

  • James Melonas
  • Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest Supervisor