Imagine a forest transformed: young, vibrant, and teeming with life, but at what cost? The U.S. Forest Service is inviting the public to weigh in on a controversial plan to reshape the Wayne National Forest’s Sunny Oaks Project. But here’s where it gets controversial: the proposal involves shelterwood harvesting, a method that, while beneficial for certain tree species and the local economy, has sparked debate over its environmental impact. Should we prioritize the growth of oaks and hickories, or is there a better way to balance ecological health and economic needs?
Published at the stroke of midnight on Friday, January 2, 2026, this call for public review comes in response to a court ruling that demanded clearer criteria for shelterwood harvesting. The supplemental Environmental Assessment (EA) now under scrutiny aims to address this gap, considering new information and refining the approach to these harvests. And this is the part most people miss: shelterwood harvesting isn’t just about cutting trees—it’s about creating a brushy, youthful forest ecosystem that can combat insect threats, support favored species, and boost the local economy through timber sales.
Spanning approximately 25,000 acres across Jackson, Gallia, and Lawrence Counties in Ohio, the Sunny Oaks Project has been a topic of discussion since its proposal in March 2018. After a decision was made in November 2020, a legal challenge filed in September 2021 halted progress, leading to this current reassessment. The project’s scope includes parts of Madison, Jefferson, Greenfeld, Perry, Elizabeth, Symmes, Decatur, Aid, and Washington townships, making it a significant undertaking with far-reaching implications.
Here’s the catch: only those who submit timely, specific written comments during the public review period can file an objection later. This means your voice matters now more than ever. Comments must focus on the shelterwood harvest criteria, its effects, or any new relevant information. To participate, you can:
- Mail your thoughts to Forest Supervisor Lee Stewart at 6518 State Route 93, Pedro, OH 45659.
- Submit online via the Comment Analysis and Response Application (CARA) on the Forest Service’s website under the project’s page. Look for the ‘Comment on the Project’ link in the ‘Get Connected’ section.
- Call the Wayne National Forest at 740-534-6500 during business hours to leave verbal comments.
All comments, including names and addresses, will become part of the public record and may be available for inspection. But here’s the question that lingers: Is shelterwood harvesting the best path forward, or are we overlooking more sustainable alternatives? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is your chance to shape the future of the Sunny Oaks Project. For more details, visit https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public/CommentInput?Project=68273. The deadline is January 19—don’t miss out on this critical conversation!
