Forestry
Around the turn of the century when forests were cut down in vast amounts to support the growing agricultural industry, it was evident that we needed to establish wilderness areas where forests could grow free. The field of forestry is dedicated to preserving America’s forests as well as planting more trees to help them grow. Currently there are 270 million acres in parks, wildlife refugees, and wilderness areas. In fact the forest industry ranks among the top ten employers in 40 of the 50 states. America’s forest products industry is also among the most competitive in the world, with annual exports totaling over 23 billion dollars. Our National Parks and wilderness areas are great assets that we need to continue to support. Less than half of paper products are recovered for recycling which leads to cutting down more trees than necessary. If you are concerned about local and national forests, take action and write your congress person. Tell them that you care!
Forestry Legislation
The 105th Congress has not passed many laws concerning forestry, however there are several proposals that are going to be considered in the coming years. Here is some of the current legislation:
The Forest Recovery and Protection Act (HR 2515)
To address the declining health of forests on Federal lands in the United States through a program of recovery and protection consistent with the requirements of existing public land management and environmental laws, to establish a program to inventory, monitor, and analyze public and private forests and their resources, and for other purposes.
The Public Lands Management Improvement Act (S 1253)
A bill to provide to the Federal land
management agencies the authority and capability to manage
effectively the federal lands in accordance with the principles
of multiple use and sustained yield, and for other purposes.
The Hazardous Fuels Reduction Act (HR 2458)
A bill to provide to the Federal land
management agencies the authority and capability to manage
effectively the federal lands in accordance with the principles
of multiple use and sustained yield, and for other purposes.
The National Forest Protection and Restoration Act (HR 2789)
A bill to save taxpayers money, reduce the
deficit, cut corporate welfare, and protect and restore America's
natural heritage by eliminating the fiscally wasteful and
ecologically destructive commercial logging program on Federal
public lands and to facilitate the economic recovery and
diversification of communities dependent on the Federal logging
program.
The National Wildlife Improvement Act (HR 1420)
A bill to amend the National Wildlife Refuge
System Administration Act of 1966 to improve the management of
the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for other purposes.
The Adirondacks Find information about our closest and largest state park
Cove/Mallard -become a part of the Big Wild Roadshow to help save the last place in the lower 48 states with its native plants and animals. Support zero cut legislation and stop logging on public lands!
Send your comments to:
Dinah Bear
Council for Environmental Quality
722 Jackson Pl, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20005
or... Chris Wood
Forest Service
14th &Independence, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250
(202)205-1083
If you would like to send a donation to the Northern Rockies Preservation Project:
write to: NRPP
PO Box 625
Boise, ID 83701
I hope this page has been helpful in your search for information about forestry legislation. It is important to express your concerns to Congress. You can make a difference! Please take note that some of the information and links I have provided deal with educating the public about National parks and wilderness areas. The more you know, the more you will want to take action to save our forests. Get outside and explore your local wilderness areas!
back to Homepage
Anne Cudd, Colgate University, Hamiltion, NY
April 1998