TIMBER CUTS AT SHAWNEE ARE DEBATED

CARTERVILLE, Ill. -- U. S. Rep. Glenn Poshard will conduct a series of debates over the next four weeks, addressing whether and how much timber should be harvested from Shawnee National Forests.

The three debates, to be held at community colleges throughout the Southern Illinois area, will be held during the 90-day public comment period for an amended overall management plan for the Shawnee Forests, scheduled to be released this week.

"My hope is that through these debates, the public will have a chance to learn what the issues are and what different people are saying," said Poshard, a Carterville Democrat. "Then they can be better informed if they want to make a comment during the public comment period."

The debate schedule is as follows:

May 20: Southeastern Illinois College, Harrisburg, 7 to 9 p.m.

June 1: Shawnee Community College, Ullin, 10 a.m. to noon.

- June 2: John A. Logan College, Carterville, 7 to 9 p.m.

Poshard will select panelists representing established professionals on both sides of the lumber issue to serve on the two debate teams for each debate. He will serve as moderator.

"We need public understanding and involvement, and these debates provide a forum for a reasoned and informed discussions," said Poshard. "Forest management is controversial and I want people to fully understand what's at stake and what the issues really are before signing off on this plan."

Poshard will select the panelists.

"We're looking at credentials and trying to pick people who are outstanding in their fields," said Poshard. "I'd like to keep the debates devoid of an accusations either way."

He said no one representing the Forest Service would be on the debate team, and that representatives of some of the radical environmental groups might not be named to the teams.

There will be no audience participation.

"The audience will have an opportunity to submit questions for the debate teams," he said.

Poshard added that the Forest Service will conduct its own series of meetings, where the public will be able to voice opinions.