Greg Walden (R-OR) has introduced a bill (the "Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act") that would accelerate logging and road building in old growth and roadless areas of our national forests under the guise of `restoration.' Fires or other disturbances would trigger exemptions from environmental law to allow logging in sensitive, recovering forests, even though science and experience show that post-fire logging pollutes water, erodes soil, harms fish and wildlife--and actually slows forest recovery. Still worse, the Walden bill would curb public oversight to keep citizens from challenging logging. The Walden bill, HR 4200, is being fast-tracked through the House, and its authors are seeking California sponsors right now. We must act quickly to stop this bill.

Rep. Mike Thompson can be a key player in this debate. We know that Rep. Walden would like to get Thompson to join a few other Democrats who have sponsored HR 4200. Instead, we must ask Rep. Thompson to oppose the Walden bill, to protect our forests, clean water, and communities. Please call Mike Thompson's offices today.
(202) 225-3311 DC
(707) 269-9595 HUMBOLDT
(707) 226-9898 NAPA
(707) 962-0933 MENDO
(530) 662-5272 YOLO

If Mike Thompson is NOT your congressman, call
US Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
and ask to speak to your Congressman.

Fortunately, there is a far better alternative. HR 3973 is the "National Forests Rehabilitation and Recovery Act," introduced by Representative Tom Udall (D-NM). This act provides for study of various responses to natural disturbances using science and local community collaboration to develop the most effective solution. The Udall bill keeps the public in public lands management and focuses limited resources on reducing fire risks to communities.

Please take the time to call and write your Representative TODAY. Ask him or her to oppose the Walden bill (HR 4200) and support the Udall bill (HJR 3973). If you have time, please consider sending a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper about this bill.

The template below is set up to reach Congressman Mike Thompson. If you are outside of his congressional district, please use this information to communicate with your Congresssman. Visit www.house.gov to find your congressman, and select and paste the text into their website form.