Kathmandu— The U.S. Forest Service has quietly authorized a project in Wyoming’s Washakie Wilderness to cut down and remove an old-growth tree bearing historical carvings, sparking outrage among conservation groups who allege a lack of transparency and disregard for wilderness preservation principles. The decision, made under a categorical exclusion from standard environmental reviews, involves constructing a non-system trail into the remote area, cutting down trees to facilitate access, and ultimately extracting the specimen by helicopter for display in a museum. The project stems from a survey crew who carved their names into the tree 133 years ago while marking what would become the Shoshone National Forest, but critics argue that preserving the tree *in situ* would better honor both its history and the spirit of wilderness protection.

Historical Context Of The Survey Tree

The tree in question was marked by a survey crew in 1893 while delineating the Yellowstone Forest Reserve, an early effort to protect forests from logging. That reserve later evolved into the Shoshone National Forest, and the surrounding area became part of the Washakie Wilderness in 1964, with subsequent expansions in 1972 and 1984. The carvings on the tree represent a historical moment in conservation efforts, but the Forest Service’s decision to remove the tree itself is viewed by some as contradictory to those original goals.

Lack Of Public Engagement

Conservation groups were alerted to the project only after learning of its funding through state legislative debates. The Forest Service approved the plan without any public notification or opportunity for comment, even though agency regulations allow for public engagement on such projects. Wilderness Watch sent a letter to the Shoshone National Forest Supervisor requesting a delay and meaningful public process, but their request was denied, with the supervisor stating that public input wasn’t “required.” The agency has also yet to fulfill a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by conservationists seeking documentation related to the decision.

Concerns Over Wilderness Preservation

Critics argue that the project violates the core principles of the 1964 Wilderness Act, which prioritizes preserving wilderness character in its natural condition. Building a non-system trail and cutting down trees to remove the specimen are seen as actions fundamentally at odds with protecting the area’s pristine state. The Forest Service defends the plan by claiming it will “benefit” Wilderness by telling the story of public lands, but opponents contend that leaving the tree undisturbed would be a more fitting tribute to its history and the spirit of preservation. One comparison was drawn to Ediacaran fossils in Newfoundland, where archeologists create casts instead of removing specimens from their natural environment.

Call To Action For Public Involvement

Conservation groups are urging members of the public to contact the Shoshone National Forest Supervisor and project lead to express their concerns. They hope to pressure the agency to delay the project, engage in a transparent public process, and release all relevant decision documents. The incident is seen as part of a broader pattern of the Forest Service circumventing public involvement on projects impacting wilderness areas, including allowing unauthorized activities by outfitters and ranchers.

The Forest Service has not yet announced a date for removing the tree but plans to proceed with imaging it for historical preservation in early August. Conservation groups continue to push for greater transparency and public engagement in managing Wilderness lands.

(With inputs from CounterPunch)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.