New leadership promises more responsible policy

Having failed to reach a vote in 2006, the poorly-titled Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act, or "Walden bill," faces certain demise in 2007.  While a logging bill is on next year's agenda, Oregonian Senator Ron Wyden, likely chair-to-be of the forestry subcommittee, has indicated that smart science will shape policy.

"I think next year there will be an opportunity in my committee, and I expect to start looking seriously at prevention, which is what's really needed," said Wyden, who supports thinning of denser stands of trees, thus removing excess fuels and reducing the chances of wildfire.

This is good news for Northwest Forests. The Walden bill, approved in the House of Representatives in May, sought to expedite the logging of dead trees, which provide habitat and protection for plants and wildlife, after natural disasters.