Representative Greg Walden (R-2/OR) is the lead sponsor of a logging bill (HR 4200) that would cause serious harm our country’s National Forests. Not only would the bill completely waive the National Environmental Policy Act and leave roadless areas, old growth forests, and other special areas unprotected, it also ignores important scientific research, threatens the Endangered Species Act, and could actually increase the risk of wildfire.

Below are a variety of factsheets and other documents related to this legislation (all are PDF documents):

• Updated Analysis of the Walden Salvage Bill
  Updated analysis of H.R. 4200, the “Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act," introduced by Rep. Greg Walden. The bill provides an expedited process for implementation of salvage logging and other projects following a "catastrophic event." The bill applies to all lands administered by the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, except for designated wilderness areas. This analysis uses the most recent version of the bill approved by the Agriculture Committee.
  
  
• Factsheet: HR 4200 Is Not Necessary
  Proponents of H.R. 4200 say that natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina justify legislation to exempt logging from environmental laws. After Katrina, however, the Forest Service planned the largest post-disturbance logging project in the nation’s history in a collaborative manner using the authorities it already has, and the project is being conducted without any delays.
  
  
• Factsheet: HR 4200 Opposed by Scientists
  HR 4200 sponsor claims about the bill’s ecological benefits are wrong. Scientists say HR 4200 would harm the environment.
  
  
• Factsheet: HR 4200 Effects on Wildlife
  H.R. 4200 waives the Endangered Species Act for logging on an unlimited number of acres across the country.
  
  
• Factsheet: Is HR 4200 Necessary?
  Provisions already exist in at least five laws that allow room for expedited logging or leniency for logging after a forest disturbance. Salvage logging already makes up a large percentage of total timber sold within the National Forest System. As a result, the question arises of the need for legislation that would provide further allowances for post-disturbance logging projects: Is there a need for additional salvage logging legislation?
  
  
• Factsheet: Conservation Community Opposes HR 4200
  Factsheet documenting conservation community's opposition to HR 4200 -- Rep. Walden’s Salvage Logging Bill.
  
  
• Letter from scientists to Members of Congress in opposition to HR 4200 and the related Senate bill, S 2079.