Houston Regional Group - News

Since 1994 the Sierra Club has advocated for the protection of a 5 acre forest of upland hardwood trees. The Sierra Club recommended that this forest (in Compartment 94, Stand 17) be designated by the U.S. Forest Service (FS) as a future old growth area. Unfortunately, a timber sale was approved and logging was about to begin in the 5 acre forest in April 2007. Then a miracle occurred!

For the first time in memory, in Sam Houston National Forest, the FS, Sierra Club, and the timber purchaser, CLW, Inc., worked together. This resulted in the protection of the 5 acre upland hardwood forest. The 5 acre forest contains large White Oaks, Black Hickories, Mockernut Hickories, Southern Red Oak, and other upland hardwood trees as well as some Loblolly Pine trees. This forest contains more large hickories than any other place that the Sierra Club has visited in Sam Houston National Forest.

District Ranger Warren Oja and his staff worked diligently with Mr. Zachary Lowe, President of CLW, Inc., to reach an agreement to protect this forest. The Sierra Club met with FS personnel and helped delineate about 3 acres of forest to be protected. When Mr. Lowe visited the forest he agreed to expand the area to be protected to 5 acres. By not logging this five acres CLW, Inc. lost about $4,000 in profit.

The Sierra Club also requested that the FS discuss with personnel who will log Stand 17 the importance of protecting other hardwoods trees that are not found in the protected 5 acre forest.

The Sierra Club very much appreciates the efforts of District Ranger Oja, his staff, and Mr. Lowe which resulted in the protection of the 5 acre upland forest. The Sierra Club hopes that similar agreements can be reached to protect other diverse and environmentally important natural forests in Sam Houston National Forest in the future.

July 2007

Last updated:  06/02/2007.   Content © 1999-2007 by the Sierra Club.