(21st December 2002) - Obyron

Recent studies by the watchdog group Midgaardians for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (META) show that deforestation in the Hoan-Dor has reached shocking levels. The forest, which once spanned from the northern reaches of Midgaard all the way to Megacity One in the far north, have depleted drastically in recent years to meet construction demands in the posh Aard Estates.

Of particular concern is the fate of the Hoan-Dorian grey wolf; a member of the Midgaardian Endangered Species list.

"I mean," began one Aardvironmentalist who asked to have his name withheld; "there seems to be this mistaken perception that when all the wolves are gone more will just magically pop out of nowhere. When will people realize these wolves are one of nature's precious gifts?" He went on to add, "It's really sickening to see these beautiful animals neglected just so some tier can add a cherry bedroom suite to his manor."

The Mayor's office has, in the past, promised strict changes to the way timber removal requests are processed on the city-owned land, but said changes have not been forthcoming. The Mayor's Office could not be contacted for comment as of press-time.

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