Your article on “Vision for Northern Forest” (BDN, April 1) contained serious inaccuracies about the position and goals of the Northern Forest Alliance.

The Northern Forest Alliance’s vision for the future of Maine’s forest is a forest that is thriving in every way: well-managed commercial forestland supporting a healthy forest-based economy, strong local economies and protected wildland areas.

We would like to see a forest where many uses take place without conflict, where:

both the forest products industry and the tourism industry provide high-quality jobs for residents;

the quality of life, for resident and visitor alike, is high;

the hunting and fishing is great;

communities such as Rangeley, Millinocket, Greenville, Jackman and Bethel have prosperous, diverse economies;

there are a variety of recreational opportunities, from snowmobiling to solitude;

there are big trees of all species, both before and after timber harvesting;

all native plants and animals can live, thrive and evolve.

The Northern Forest Alliance is a coalition of more than 25 conservation and recreation groups such as the Natural Resources Council of Maine, Maine Audubon Society and the National Wildlife Federation concerned about the future of the Northern Forest — the 26 million-acre forest that stretches across northern Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York. Fifteen million of the 26 million acres are in Maine.

We invite you to join us in this multi-use approach to protecting the Northern Forest. You can reach me at the Natural Resources Council of Maine, 271 State St., Augusta 04330, or 622-3101. Catherine B. Johnson North Woods Project Director Natural Resources Council of Maine Augusta