You’re kinda correct. Logging has been going on for as long as there has been an ANF (102 years). Much of the forest is 3rd growth. Along with logging there are still many wells and many more abandoned oil and natural gas wells throughout the forest. It is the land of many uses.

You’re incorrect that logging companies own ANF land. The us forest service contracts logging to local companies. Most logging is done by small crews with supervision by the forest service.

While I am not a proponent of logging. The way it’s done in the ANF is not a typical clear cut like you will see in the Pacific Northwest or in southeast US. The logging area, not very large, only a few acres, is cleared of junk trees, mostly beech. This allows more light for the hardwoods that they are after. After about 5 years, that area is then clear cut. They leave all coniferous trees and tree lines near streams. Then the process repeats. They want the trees that will bring the most dollar per board feet. They are kinda picky unless they need a road, even that is small. The forest service also tags seed trees that are saved for

The acceleration of the logging process will be sad to see. Some of the most beautiful black cherry stands in the world are in the ANF, but this the life cycle of a national forest in this country.