Dear National Forestry Service,

I have heard about the intended sale of various parcels of the national protected forests. I read the lists. I see that there is nothing for sale from my state of New York, but that does not lessen my anger. I have heard the excuse that the money sold will to go to support our hamstrung educational system. I personally feel that is total bullshit.

This is *not* the way to raise money for education. It is not a way to raise money for the government or private enterprise in any way, shape or form. This land should not be sold. It is held in trust for our children and grandchildren, and the future of our world. We need to remember what trees and wild forests are and what they are for, and we cannot protect our future by selling off our protected areas of wildlife refuge. We are their caretakers and their guardians. It is our duty to protect them from craven attempts to turn them into strip malls. Selling off the lumber, allowing access for oil drilling or other methods of depleting these resources in trust are all equally morally bankrupt, and I am outraged that the very idea is even considered.

Yes, our children deserve a genuine commitment from the administration. But the government must go back to the drawing board. If schools need funding let's restructure our budget so children's needs are paid for, not the Pentagon's. We need to invest money in education and in health care and in caring for our seniors, and in our future as a great nation. We should not be wasting money on other stupid causes nor should we be selling our future short to meet short-sighted and short-term goals.

Sincerely,
Georg

PS. For those reading this post, PLEASE consider sending your own letter to your senators, to your representantives, and to the National Forestry Service. This is how to contact the NFS on this matter:
You should submit your comments by March 30, 2006 to be assured of consideration. Comments received after that date will be considered only to the extent practicable.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by e-mail to SRS_Land_Sales@fs.fed.us, by facsimile to (202) 205-1604, or by mail to USDA Forest Service, SRS Comments, Lands 4S, 1400 Independence Ave., SW., Mailstop 1124, Washington, DC 20250-0003. Electronic submission is preferred. If you submit your comments by e-mail or fax, you do not need to send a paper copy by mail.
Another link with more links and information here.  ¶ 9:02 AM