[george76]

The USFS now regulates more than clear cutting.

Sometimes they will flag the individual dead trees to be removed.

The equipment today is much better in protecting the organic stuff in the soil and the baby trees.

Sometimes a clear cut is good for elk, deer, antelope...because they prefer to eat grass that is produced in a large field. Eating bark is not their first choice.

Also elk, mountain sheep, mountain goats... prefer clear areas for protection against predators who want to sneak around....lions, wolf packs, bears...

Also open fields are good hunting areas for eagles, hawks, and other raptors who need to feed themselves and their families.

[concrete is my business]

I think the beetle dead trees might be very good for wood pellets, i.e. biofuel. One way or the other, they will burn.

[SouthTexas]

You neglected to include the infamous spotted owl. ;)