On a scale of 1 - 10, how would a commercial forest clear-cut negatively effect your riding experience, with 1 being equal to: no problem, and 10 being equal to: ruined my ride?

Example: You and some friends are running through some remote areas of state X. The overall views are general forest with limited outlooks and vistas. Every once in a while you pass another bike or a hiker on a cross trail. Your group then comes upon a fresh 80 acre clear-cut off to the right and left and some continued commercial "thinning" of 2000+ acres. How would you react and would these cuts negatively impact your trip on a scale of 1 - 10?

 

I'll give it a 5 as I would rather have a controlled cut that a big forest fire any day!

 

I'd rate it at a 3. It would only bother me if I could not get through due to the logging operations and had to turn around. Trees grow like weeds here. A clear cut is not a big deal to me. I've seen areas of Maine that were clear cut and 5 years later seen trees 20 feet tall and about 6-8 inches at chest height.

 

I'd give it a two. Logging and its aftermath have little affect on my riding. The forest is constantly changing anyway. Trees grow. Trees die. Storms happen. Trees fall. I do like seeing wildlife, and I seem to see a lot more in and near cut-over areas. And, no, I'm not a logger.

 

Contrary to many leftist’s opinions, logging can be very beneficial to wildlife. New growth is often far better than old growth to support a wide variety of wildlife, and has the added benefit of supporting the local communities with jobs. The occasional controlled burn is also beneficial, as opposed to the current ban on burning which only leads to larger, completely out of control fires.

 

I'd have to say 1. As long as the trails is open, it's just somthing different to see.

 

This has nothing to with "leftist" views. I posted this outside the political forum for a reason. You didn't answer the question, but based on your remarks I'll consider you a 1. Aside from your ever-present political take, your statements are correct.

 

I'm sure some are wondering why I'm asking this. I choose not to disclose that now, for fear that it will change the way you view the question. Just imagine a ride and the scene and give your best guess at what you would think. I'll tell you why after I get 20 or more responses.

This has nothing to do with the right or wrong virtues of forestry, ecology, or the economy. I am not a logger.

 

I would say at least a 7, I think being in or around a nice tight woods is half the fun, some logging is ok, but I wouldn't like to see larges scale clear cutting operations where I ride

 

I would have to say 1.Small cuts and commercial thinning dont bother me if done right.
I've done commercial thinning that you could hardly notice from the road.When done wrong its a mess and an eyesore.