In a bold move to protect the environment, San Francisco attorney Missy Lahren is championing the legal rights of forests. With over three decades of experience in environmental law, Lahren has been at the forefront of the fight for nature’s legal recognition.
At the heart of her mission is the concept of “Rights of Nature,” a legal tool that gives natural entities like forests a voice in the courtroom. This approach treats forests as individuals with the right to be represented in legal matters. Lahren’s efforts have seen success internationally, and she’s now focusing on local challenges.
One of her notable campaigns involved the Elwha River in Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Here, Lahren and the Earth Law Center advocated for the removal of century-old dams to revive salmon populations. Although they faced setbacks, their persistence led to a significant victory when the state revoked a timber sale, safeguarding 850 acres along the river.
Lahren’s dedication to environmental causes began early in her career, starting as a Clean Water Act lawyer. Her work has always been driven by a deep-seated passion for preserving the natural world, particularly the oceans.
As Lahren continues her advocacy, she stands as a testament to the power of legal action in the fight against environmental destruction. Her work not only protects forests but also inspires a new generation of environmental lawyers to take a stand for our planet.
Read more at San Francisco attorney fights to gain legal rights for forests, by Joe Rosato Jr., NBC Bay Area, April 24, 2024.