Letter: Prescribed burns are killing songbirds

Published 6:15 am Thursday, June 15, 2023

To the Editor:

The U.S. Forest Service in East and Central Oregon is presently conducting prescribed burning in the Malheur and Deschutes national forests.

It is breeding season for forest birds, and especially the understory-dwelling birds are affected, i.e. burned alive, along with their brood and hatchlings. This must be stopped immediately. I have called the John Day Ranger District supervisor with no return calls, and my calls now are not even going to her mailbox. Her assistant told me burning is ongoing, and no intention of stopping.

I have also called and emailed the Deschutes Ranger Station.

This is insane and against several good federal and state laws prohibiting killing of songbirds (e.g. the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, reaffirmed by the Biden administration and amended in 2021).

It very likely will create more endangered species if this scientifically unproven method continues.

I live just north of the areas being burned in Grant County and marvel at the callous ignorance of such an undertaking now, during breeding season, rather than waiting till after the fall rains.

Many, many tiny bird families would greatly appreciate your help!

Vega Nunez

Ritter