To the Editor:

I just read Andy Kerrs words: A well managed forest is a healthy forest. The forests are overgrown and insects are destroying thousands of acres of trees. He agrees with Ron Wyden that, Keeping the forests healthy can translate into a healthy economy. Its good for the mills, its good for the economy. And, referring to logging, he states, There are some (environmental groups) that will be unhappy with anything.

Well, DUH! The timber industry has been voicing these same concerns for 40 years! We have always believed that the forests are like a garden. They need tended, cared for and well managed. Hours and hours were taken from productive work time to battle the blind environmental movement that eventually closed our forests. The same movement, spearheaded by Mr. Kerr, that refused to allow the stewards of the land to perform their jobs by keeping the forests healthy and the economy sound. Those are the people who have put our forests in jeopardy.

Mr. Kerr stated, Times are different now.

Yes, sadly enough, times are different now. Our three sawmills are gone, countless family wage jobs from a timber related industry have disappeared, school enrollment has dropped drastically, our local economy suffers at a rate far higher than urban areas.

Times ARE different now. I guess we do finally agree.

Judy Kinsley

Joseph