
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, May 11, 1993                   TAG: 9305110522
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: WILLIAM H. BANZHAF
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FORESTERS' REPORT INTENDED TO STIR DEBATE

I AM EXTREMELY concerned that a task-force report of the Society of American Foresters, entitled "Sustaining Long-Term Forest Health and Productivity," has been misinterpreted. Contrary to the lead paragraphs in an Associated Press story published May 2 in the Roanoke Times & World-News, the report does not reflect a position or the beliefs of the Society of American Foresters. In fact, many of the report's findings are the focus of strong debate and, in some cases, disagreement.

The role of the society, as the foresters' professional organization, is to encourage a full and open debate on issues affecting the future of natural-resource professions. In that spirit, the council (board of directors) of the society authorized publication of a very controversial task-force report to encourage healthy debate.

Some have interpreted the report as an indication that the profession should apologize for its past practices. Nothing can be further from the truth. The forestry profession has long provided a balance of wood for home construction and other products, for wildlife and for recreational and wilderness experiences, as well as the dedication to maintain the continued health of America's forests.

Although any profession made up of human beings can make mistakes, I see very little to apologize for and view the desires of the society to publicly air a professional debate as a sign of the strength, honesty and vitality of a profession that is attempting to continue to be responsible to the public it serves.

The report addresses the need to manage the forests in a holistic manner, incorporating all of the plant and animal communities within the forest ecosystem. However, the manner and extent to which this can be implemented on the ground, particularly in areas where there is a mixture of private and public ownership, is strongly debated.

I urge those who are talking about this report, or reporting on its contents, to understand that it does not reflect a new path chosen by the profession, but is intended to promote an orderly and open discussion on which path to choose.

William H. Banzhaf is executive vice president of the Society of American Foresters in Bethesda, MD.

by CNB