Save the Phillips School Forest

Save the Phillips School Forest

Started
February 14, 2020
Petition to
Phillips School Board
Petition Closed
This petition had 175 supporters

Why this petition matters

Started by Jon Kendziera

The Phillips School Forest is currently slated for an intensive logging operation.  After reviewing the marked trees that are part of the Pine thinning, plus the removal of all Aspen, Jack Pine, Scotch Pine and White Birch within the thinning area, several of us have become concerned with the extent of the logging.  Discussions with the forester confirmed the amount of trees to be removed. While not technically a clearcut, if it weren’t for the remaining pine trees and a few remaining hardwood trees, it would actually be clear cut. In fact, within the logging area, where pine trees do not exist there will be multiple acres that are entirely cut.  What will be left is the tall canopy of pine trees with no middle or under story remaining.    

The initial concerns are the damage this will do to the existing trail system.  While we can urge the logging company to take care when removing over 180 semi-truck loads of trees from this forest, the result will most likely force the entire single track trail system to be rebuilt, a process that will take years.  Of course there is more to the forest than just trails, a good argument could also be made that this forest is a gem in the community and logging it for maximum profit is perhaps not in the best interest of the community or the best learning experience for the students.  We should also mention that funds from the logging will be used for an outdoor classroom to make it easier for teachers to take students out to the school forest, but perhaps you also see the irony in doing a large scale cutting of the school forest so students can stay out of the elements while studying a forest that has been greatly reduced. The “outdoor classroom” already exists, and it’s free.  

Whatever your reason is, voice your opinion and let the Phillips School board know that you think an alternate plan needs to be developed to address the logging, educational and recreational value of the Phillips School Forest.  

Petition Closed

This petition had 175 supporters

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Decision Makers

  • Phillips School Board