What is the lumber industry saying?
The lumber industry of the Northwest claims that we have a clear choice – owls or jobs. They have been consistent in saying that any effort to preserve the forest, for whatever reason, will lead to the demise of an industry that is several generations old, and that the economic ripple effect in the region will be devastating. Their focus has been unwavering: wacko environmentalists are going to wreck the economy. Is that true? If the question is, “Can the timber industry continue ‘business as usual’ in today’s world,” then the answer is no – there will be economic changes. For years, the timber industry has been mechanizing its operations, thus eliminating jobs. Each advance in technology has resulted in further streamlining ofthe industry (i.e., fewer jobs). Affected employees and their families have complained about the industry’s insensitivity for years. It appears that this lean, declining industry is now using environmentalists as a scapegoat. Can the timber industry continue rely
