Recently published columns considered the value of paper
recycling and its impact on land use and the demand for trees
(Wilson, May 28). Recycling paper does, indeed, suppress demand,
and subsequently puts downward pressure on the price of wood
fiber. However, a significant elasticity exists in the supply
because of the extraction of timber and timber products from our
national forests. Even though harvested timber on public lands
was reduced more than 70 percent in the early '90s because of
unsustainable and damaging practices, our national forests could
greatly benefit from increased recycling of paper products. With
inspired and responsible leadership, increased recycling and
moderated demand for wood fiber would create a new window of
opportunity -- an opportunity to further implement what was
begun on public lands nearly two decades ago, and now with the
added incentive of carbon sequestration. More of us are mindful
of the real costs of too many industry practices (degraded
watersheds and their impact o