"Rim Fire's 'Ghost' Trees To Be Logged, U.S. Forest Service Decides"

"The debate began as the largest blaze ever seen in the Sierra still burned: Should officials cut down the thousands of "ghost" trees left behind by last summer's Rim fire, or leave nature alone?

A decision announced Wednesday by the U.S. Forest Service calls for salvage-logging on more than 15,000 acres in the Stanislaus National Forest and the removal of an additional 17,706 acres of trees along non-public roads.

Because the logging value of burned trees deteriorates quickly, the plan was formed under emergency rules and cannot be appealed. Salvaging can begin as soon as forest supervisor Susan Skalski gives her approval, which is expected Thursday."

Diana Marcum reports for the Los Angeles Times August 27, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"Logging Green Lit for 52 Square Miles of Rim Fire Burn Area Near Yosemite" (KCET)