The Commission on Social Action of Reformed Judaism
Resolution on Ending Federally Subsidized Commercial Logging on Public Lands
Adopted, April, 2000
Judaism teaches that we have a sacred obligation to our Creator, to Creation, and to future generations to safeguard and protect Earth's ecosystems.
Before the flood, Noah... protected at least two of every animal species, enabling all creatures to make safe passage from one era of history to the next. After the flood, God said to Noah: "Behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your seed after you, and with every living creature that is with you, of the birds, of the cattle, and of every wild animal of the earth with you" (Genesis 9:9). It is our duty—as people of faith and citizens of our nation..., to safeguard and weave together the patchwork of remnant forests as best we can.
In a brief moment in the life of our planet, we have destroyed all but a remnant of Earth's ancient forests. Over the last 300 years, the United States has lost a stunning 96% of its old growth forests... Remaining old growth forests exist almost entirely on public lands.
Our remaining old and second growth forests are refuges for thousands of threatened creatures and plants, and are vital to the protection of clean water... for tens of millions of North Americans. Forests, both old and second growth, also serve as refuges for the human spirit, places where we can witness the creator's majesty, reflect upon the mystery of life, and hear the small, still voice within.
National Forests represent 19% of timberland in the U.S, and... National Forest lands account for less than 5% percent of the nation's annual wood products consumption. The 1998 report of the Comptroller General regarding USFS timber sales receipts reveals that, of the hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer money that is expended on the Forest Service timber sales program, only a small fraction finds its way back to the Federal Treasury, resulting in an enormous net loss to taxpayers. ...
THEREFORE, the Commission on Social Action of Reform Judaism resolves to:
- Call for an end to commercial logging and other activities destructive to forest ecosystems in National Forests;
- Call on all levels of government to provide just and adequate transition assistance to those who lose their livelihood due to changes in environmental policies;
- Endorse initiatives to protect roadless areas in all National Forests, including those in Alaska, from all logging, mining, and other commercial use;
- Call for an end to subsidies for logging and mining on public lands; and
- Educate UAHC congregations on issues relating to our national forests, the taxpayer costs of subsidized logging... on public lands, the need to protect the National Forests that remain....
