State forests are set aside for recreation, water supplies, and wildlife. We already lost so much in the 2020 fires, so I ask that you protect the live trees and wildlife in the Santiam State Forest and send in expert crews to restore public access to our beloved trails. I would like us to preserve the Santiam State Forest as a hiking area, as managers did in the Columbia River Gorge.

I would like to see all live trees, trees far from roads, and trees in well-loved recreation areas preserved. Santiam Horse Camp, Stout Creek, Shellburg Falls, and Monument Peak should be protected. I am concerned that extensive cutting after wildfire will destroy beloved recreational areas in the Santiam Canyon.

Natural areas will soon recover from fire, but it will take much longer for them to regrow after extensive cutting. In addition to converting these scenic areas into ugly exposed landscapes, tree removal will keep state forests closed to the public for over a year.

As communities rebuild after this season’s wildfires, we need to protect what’s left by leaving live trees standing and retaining fire killed trees for habitat. I ask that you serve public interests by preserving the Santiam State Forest.

Thank you for your support.