Keller's facts don't add up
May 2, 2004
To the Editor: Paul Keller's (Forum - April 24) short-sighted vision for Mount Hood ignores the obvious damage that Forest Service exploitation of the mountain has brought. He also perpetuates several National Park myths, such as the notion that National Park status would trigger a flood of tourists, and cost taxpayers more to administer than a national forest.
The facts dispel both myths: Mount Hood is already overrun with tourists, with more than 2 million visitors annually, according to the Forest Service, several hundred thousand more than Mount Rainier and Crater Lake National Parks, combined. This number would already place Mount Hood near the top of the list among National Parks. The difference is that National Park Service has both a core mission and proven track record of coping with such pressures, unlike the Forest Service.
When comparing operating costs, the major difference is that taxpayers now subsidize Forest Service timber that is sold at a loss to the logging industry, and we are also on the hook to maintain the massive network of aging logging roads. For this reason, Mount Hood National Forest spends in excess of $25 million annually to manage the forest. For comparison, this is more than the total operating budgets of Mount Rainier, Olympic and Crater Lake National Parks, combined.
Those exploiting Mount Hood for profit have a vested interest in perpetuating these myths. Those of us who love the mountain have an obligation to learn the facts, and save what is left of our mountain.
Tom Kloster
Mount Hood National Park Campaign