First, the News Tribune can be appreciated for having the closure of Forest Service research sites reported on its front page on April 3 (“
Forest Service to close Ely, Grand Rapids research facilities
”). We need to know about these changes, and I appreciate a local paper that reports on our situation.
Second, where is our Rep. Pete Stauber in his role as protector of regional jobs? Not a combative word from him for the jobs of these researchers. These professionals are employed to track changes in our forest ecosystems to better manage them. I think Stauber doesn’t care about local jobs at all. Are these science-based jobs less valuable? Removing scientists from our rural areas just leaves us more vulnerable. We will not have good information to evaluate changes resulting from milder winters and disease and pest migrations. These changes will challenge our forests and lands. Shutting down research that provides local, specific knowledge will harm our management efforts. What a good topic for a townhall meeting Stauber will never attend.
Lynn Johansen
Duluth
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