Forests can't be just left alone

Regarding the Sparta Mountain Forest Management Plan, a number of well-intentioned people insist we should leave our forests alone. Let nature take its course, they say. I wish it were that easy.
For many decades the influence of man on our wild country has been extreme. Gone are the chestnut trees, once the most important food-producing tree in the northeast, victim of an imported blight. The same for our elm trees, and hemlocks. Invasive weeds like Japanese knotweed and purple loosestrife gobble up our riparian areas. Clearing by wildfires is suppressed. The landscape we see today bears little resemblance to our original country.
This creates problems for our wildlife, with many species the victims of habitat loss. It is most apparent with those that crave open space and young forests. Instead of working to increase these areas, all we get are ridiculous slogans – “Stop the Chop”.
Yet, it is very difficult to convince tree-huggers that at least some trees should be cut down. The huge benefits to our wildlife are not enough to change their minds. To make matters worse, these people are telling our legislators that we need laws preventing the very work our forests need.
I encourage your readers to look at this objectively, and make up their own minds. Like it or not, we are the guardians of nature, and that guardianship comes with a call to action. Sitting on our hands is not enough.
Ross Kushner
Kinnelon