It’s good to see the debate about logging on state lands due to a promised public forest logging moratorium. However, editorial volleys are not a substitute for a thorough open public discussion of our state land policy. The Department of Conservation and Recreation has declined to engage in genuine discussion with dissenting stakeholders, a situation recognized by the 2022 UMASS Donahue Institute Special Commission review of DCR that states “Concerns over communication, community engagement, and transparency were common themes that emerged from our stakeholder interviews.”

In the interest of science and democracy, DCR and The Division of Fish and Wildlife should hold multiple sessions for input, provide bibliographies of publicly available scientific studies supporting their policies, respond to opposing studies, and agree to supply requested data and answer questions to the satisfaction of all stakeholders. Representatives from Gov. Maura Healey’s administration should participate in these sessions. If, as Gov. Healey’s campaign promised, “she will develop and implement a science-based state forest management plan,” then now is the time to supply the facts and have a full public discussion on which to found that plan.

Karl Dziura

Conway

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