This is the essence of the problem -- the judge feels that the USFS is corrupt because they are selling trees. As far as the judge is concerned, the USFS cannot be trusted to determine which trees are dying...which is the essence of what foresters do. This like saying plumbers cannot be trusted to hook up to the city water supply because their greedy clients may try to steal the citys water!
The lower part of the large tree in the photo looks good ...but what about the foilage that is out of view of the camara? There is a good chance that the crown was scorched and killed by the radiant heat from a fire burning below it.
On the other hand; and this is the part that is really discouraging, there is also 50/50 chance that this tree may actually be healthy and does not need to be cut. From what I have seen in my career, the USFS uses poorly trained seasonal workers to actually mark the trees. Where are the foresters? In the office doing Environmental Impact Studies and giving testimony in court rooms.
IMHO, this article tells me that the profession of forestry has been severely damaged and has no credibility with the general public. Further, I lay the blame directly on NEPA and NFMA for turning our country's best foresters into pencil pushers.
Lol! Not all of it please. We all need the benefit of what you learn from what you do.
Not all of them. Some good ones just retire because they can no longer stand the crap. One did try to fight the NH2020 that was going on in Nevada County.