Re "Clear-cutting forests is wrong way for state to lead on climate policy" (Viewpoints, March 10):

Does anyone really believe California's forests are being wiped out by clear-cutting? Or that the state with the toughest environmental laws in the nation would make deforestation legal?

Clear-cutting is by definition a regenerative technique; any college textbook on the subject will tell you that. In California, clear-cutting creates small openings in forests that support abundant biodiversity. In California, clear-cuts may be no larger than 20 acres, a size that mimics natural disturbances such as wind, fire and insect attacks.

In California, clear-cuts must be replanted with a mix of native species to avoid monoculture plantations, and on average five trees are planted for every one harvested. In California, replanted forests may not be commercially harvested for at least 50 to 80 years.

Deforestation occurs when forestland is converted to non-forest uses like condominiums or strip malls. When the land is replanted and managed to grow trees, the forest returns. Some of today's most beautiful forests have been clear-cut at one point.

AB 32, the state's landmark global warming law, sets specific objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If your goal is to lower emissions, it makes sense to grow, harvest and replant trees, and embrace sustainable forestry. If your goal is to advance an agenda, then you can set aside science at your convenience and tie up courts with endless litigation unwittingly sponsored by California taxpayers.

Using wood effectively stores the carbon that trees remove from the air safely out of the atmosphere. Replanting harvested areas causes more photosynthesis to occur and accelerates the process of removing more carbon dioxide from the air. Using forest residues to create clean energy provides another carbon benefit.

Only one of California's 165 economic sectors actually removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere: forestry. Managed forests can sequester up to 400 percent more carbon than unmanaged forests, sustainably, while enhancing biodiversity and reducing the threat of catastrophic wildfire.

Fears about deforestation and biodiversity tend to stem from viewing clear-cutting in a single moment and forests as static. But forests are dynamic ecosystems that progress through cycles. When forests are managed to conserve resources, they can provide clean air and water, renewable energy and building materials, plenty of open spaces and habitat for diverse wildlife. Plus, forestry creates jobs more efficiently than virtually any other business sector.

California has changed the reality of clear-cutting while becoming a world leader in sustainable forestry. Perhaps eventually perception will catch up.

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David A. Bischel is a registered professional forester and president of the California Forestry Association.

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