Here in Maine logging has been a big business for decades. I've seen the worst of it (wholesale clear cutting) and the best of it. Thankfully, the days of clear cutting are over. What we see up here now is selective cutting and re-planting. It also clears out the under growth that feed forest fires. The roads that are created open up our forests for people to enjoy. As in most industries, technology has allowed the industry to have a minimal impact on the environment. Any impact it does have is repaired by Mother Nature in a matter of months. A friend of mine builds houses in Rangeley Maine. Last summer I asked him how long had it been since the loggers left town. He told me they hadn't left. "You just can't see it anymore."

This approval to cut in the Tsongas Forest will open up 300,000 acres. While that may sound like a lot (well, I guess it is) it only represents 1.5% of the 17 million acre forest. The benefits of this approval will be significant to Alaska, according to their Gov. (yes, I know he's GOP). If he's wrong and this becomes a mess or it is exploited by the industry then I hope he's sent packing at election time. He's been given a precious gift and he better make sure it doesn't blow up in his face.

But from what I've seen here in Maine there will be no long term negative effects of this cutting on the forest.

Just my .02