[r9etb]

Sigh.

I merely stated the obvious fact that removing all of the trees from an ecosystem can reasonably be interpreted as "damaging" to same.

It is also reasonable to assume that clear cut areas will, if not restored, often be prone to things like erosion damage -- something that is demonstrably true.

You, apparently, feel that I am railing against logging or something.

[Enterprise]

I don't get a strong impression that you are against logging per se. You have explained well enough your concern to irresponsible clear cutting. My drift is this: Has the logging industry in total caused any where near the damage to the forests, the loss of homes, the loss of human lives, and destruction of wildlife over the years than forest fires have caused?

[EBUCK]

I merely stated the obvious fact that removing all of the trees from an ecosystem can reasonably be interpreted as "damaging" to same.

Of course. But "damage" isn't neccessarily a bad thing.

It is also reasonable to assume that clear cut areas will, if not restored, often be prone to things like erosion damage -- something that is demonstrably true.

Also true. An ironic little tid-bit. Clearcuts actually bennifit the spotted owl. That's right, the owls favorite food item, the rodent, thrives in clearcut areas! The owls take up residence in the margins and feast on the exposed (due to lack of trees) rodents. They never had it so good!

EBUCK