In Walla Walla, Washington, the Tiger-Mill project by the U.S. Forest Service aims to implement wildfire prevention measures in the Umatilla National Forest, which supplies up to 90% of the city’s drinking water. Environmental advocates, including local resident Paul Lynn, express concerns that the project, which includes logging and prescribed burns, threatens water quality. Lynn argues it’s primarily a commercial timber sale disguised as wildfire prevention and emphasizes that intact old-growth forests are more fire-resilient. He criticizes the city council’s support of the project despite inadequate environmental reviews, stating that such actions may lead to increased health risks and costs for the community. Lynn has actively voiced his dissent through creative public comments, indicating he will continue this advocacy until a more thorough environmental review is conducted.
