For those of us concerned with the ecosystems of Southern Illinois who greeted Judge Gilbert’s ruling on the forest service’s plan for the Shawnee National Forest with satisfaction, now is a very important time. This battle is far from being over, and complacency today may well result in the loss of everything we have fought so hard to save.

Even interested persons who made no overt protest should now amply fulfill the forest service’s request for public comment.

We must write letters, attend meetings and continue to raise scientific arguments to counter those who would ruin our heritage. When we contend with minds as closed as Professor Emeritus Clark Ashby who implied by his own words that he worships the forest service’s plan as Christ (considering those conscientious ecologists who bring thoughtfully considered objections before the public as Pharisees and crucifiers) we are dealing with dangerous ignorance.

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No one, Professor Ashby, understands the truth about forest ecology. If there were nothing left to learn and no questions unanswered, there would be no debate.

But those who wish to cut trees insist on characterizing all environmentalists as emotional tree huggers, while ignoring or rejecting the specific issues we have raised.

Anyone who has an interest in this debate or has been to the forest and seen the damage should do something! Write, organize, study the science! Remember, our opponents will do their best to sway the argument so they can continue their habit of profiting from the consumption of our community property.

Those of us who care and want to leave something special for our children must fight today.