Healthy Forests Bill an Important First Step
The nation's largest professional forestry organization says that today's Congressional approval of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act (HR 1904) is a significant action in efforts to improve the health of both public and private forestlands.
“This bill is an important step in a long-term effort that is needed to allow forest managers to begin to address the forest health crisis on our nation’s forests,” says Michael T. Goergen, executive vice-president and CEO of the Society of American Foresters. “With more than 190 million acres of forests at risk of wildfire and millions more threatened by insects, disease, and invasive species, this legislation will allow us to begin work to address the complex and difficult challenge ahead.”
According to Goergen, foresters can improve forest conditions and reduce the risks of wildfire, insects, disease, and invasive species through forest management. The Healthy Forest Restoration Act gives professional forest managers additional tools to improve conditions on the national forests and private lands, while maintaining both environmental protections and public participation.
“Foresters have been frustrated with the impediments to action that have arisen over the past decade. It is frustrating to watch the conditions of many of our forests decline, when we know we can make a difference,” says Goergen. “It’s encouraging for us to see that Congress shares our sense of urgency about the health of our nation’s forests. We look forward to continuing to work with Congress and the Administration to craft other solutions to the challenges facing our forests.”
The Society of American Foresters is a nonprofit organization that represents more than 17,000 professional foresters and natural resource professionals. It is the scientific and educational association representing the profession of forestry in the United States. The Society’s primary objective is to advance the science, technology, education, and practice of professional forestry for the benefit of society.
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