Klobuchar Cosponsors Bipartisan Legislation to Enhance American Timber Economy

Statement

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar has cosponsored the bipartisan Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act to amend the 2014 Farm Bill to allow the Forest Service's Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) to cover forest management efforts that require road repair, improve forest access, and complete stalled Forest Service projects.

The Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act proactively addresses the need to conduct road repairs in order to complete Forest Service projects in the next few years. This modification also supports ecosystem goals by improving forest health, restoring wildlife and fish habitat, and improving water quality. The legislation was introduced by Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and is also cosponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI).

"Minnesota's forests don't just provide recreational opportunities and environmental benefits. They can also sustain rural economies," said Klobuchar. "This bipartisan bill will continue to encourage collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service and state agencies to undertake forest management projects, which will help protect water resources, enhance wildlife habitat, restore forest health, and strengthen our local economies.

The Good Neighbor Authority Improvement Act is supported by the Federal Forest Resource Coalition, Forest Resources Association, National Association of State Foresters, Hardwood Federation, Boone and Crockett Club, and the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association.

Klobuchar has urged the U.S. Forest Service to quickly implement "Good Neighbor Authority" and to use the authority to facilitate approved timber sales that may not be feasible with the agency's current resources and staffing levels. The forest products industry and related sectors have grown to support 40,000 jobs in Minnesota and directly contribute $9.7 billion in economic output. In a letter to the Supervisor of the Superior National Forest, Klobuchar urged forward movement on Good Neighbor Authority projects so the benefits to forest products, mills, and forest economies can be fully realized. She also pushed the Superior and Chippewa National Forests to do more to deliver on the promises of multiple use by meeting restoration objectives and delivering more fiber to forest products mills in northern Minnesota.

Klobuchar worked on including a nationwide expansion of "Good Neighbor Authority" in the 2014 Farm Bill to give the U.S. Forest Service the flexibility to work with the state to increase the speed and efficiency of important forest management projects.

Source