The Buckeye Forest Council says natural growth forests of Ohio are headed in the same direction as tape players, disco, and typewriters: toward a slow, painful elimination.

The Buckeye Forest Council is a public interest group dedicated to preserving Ohio's remaining natural growth forests. Members Susan Heitker and Matt Peters will be giving a presentation at 9 p.m. Wednesday in Room 317 of the Kent Student Center.

The presentation, sponsored by Students Eliminating Environmental Destruction (SEED) will detail the effects of mining on Ohio's natural growth forests.

Heitker will talk about the Dysart Woods, located in Southern Ohio.

"[Dysart Woods] is one of Ohio's last natural growth forests," Undergraduate Student Senator Seth Kujat said. "The forest is in danger due to the large amounts of mining taking place in the Dysart Woods."

In addition, fellow council member and guitarist Matt Peters will perform songs to raise awareness of the logging issues facing the Council.

The organization has had past success in saving forests and forest-related environments. Recently, the council was able to successfully lobby against the Ohio Forestry Association's attempt to increase logging in certain regions of the state.

"The Buckeye Forest Council is trying to save these forests for good reason," SEED president Julie Gumerman said.

"A lot of people are not aware of this natural treasure in southern Ohio. It's one of the last great natural growth forests in the state."

E-mail: jecht@kent.edu