We are seeking support for Native American activists working to
preserve primary forests and halt abusive logging practices on
the Navajo Nation. Navajo forests are being managed as industrial
timber-producing forests with little regard for wildlife, sacred
values or long-term sustainability. Cutting in the arid ponderosa
pine forests of the Navajo Nation continues despite the tribal
logging company being over $20 million in debt.
The largest stand of remnant old growth pine is about to be cut
in the headwaters of Canyon de Chelly National Monument. Navajo
tribal elders and activists are protesting at the site. Legal
assistance to halt the cutting and help for activists organizing
political support is urgently needed. In the longer term,
technical and legal expertise will be needed to prepare an
Environmental Impact Statement and monitor logging operations for
compliance with environmental laws.
Interested persons and those with grant information and knowledge
of other Native American communities working on forest issues
please contact Sam Hitt at Forest Guardians in Santa Fe, New
Mexico 505-988-9126 or send an e-mail message to ekemper.