Forest Service Pledges Funding for FLEP
October 29 - In response to thousands of comments from landowners and members of forestry-related organizations, including SAF, the USDA Forest Service has agreed to release $5 million to fund the Forestland Enhancement Program (FLEP). Agency officials, however, have yet to specify a date when the funds would be released.
Although stakeholders agree that $5 million is not enough to address the needs of all private landowners, most characterize the funds as a step in the right direction. Prior to this announcement, it was expected that the Forest Service would not be allocating any funds to FLEP. Rita Neznek, SAFs associate director of forest policy, says that the Society will continue to work with its partners, Congress, and the Bush administration in hopes of continuing funding for the program.
For more information about FLEP, visit the "SAF Position Statements" page on the SAF website and scroll down to "private forest management."
