Pisgah National Forest Boundary Adjustment Act Of 2009

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time, and I offer my support to my colleague from North Carolina for the bill he has put forward.

I rise today to speak on issues of forestry, and specifically to House Resolution 81 which recognizes the importance and sustainability of the U.S. hardwoods industry.

My rural district in Pennsylvania is comprised of sprawling forest lands and the Allegheny National Forest. For generations, the economic engine of this region has been oil and gas production and the harvesting of some of the finest hardwoods in the country.

American hardwoods are valued here and around the world for their natural beauty, long life, sustainability, and many applications from furniture to flooring to musical instruments.

There are more than 100 privately owned businesses in my district. Most are family owned, whose well-being and the well-being of their employees are dependent upon the American hardwoods. More than a billion dollars in hardwoods and hardwood products are exported from the United States each year. Even with this growing market demand, the supply of hardwood resources has continued to grow as forests, both public and private, are managed for growth and harvest.

In addition to the enormous economic benefits which the timber industry has on our rural economy, timber harvesting in Pennsylvania is an essential part of forest health and management efforts. For example, when decaying timber or wood waste is removed from the forest floor, it creates a much fuller and more vibrant forest in the long run. Forest management helps to create a stronger carbon sink than an unmanaged forest.

In addition, the U.S. Forest Service spends $2 billion per year, half their budget, fighting wildfires. I believe that better and increased management will help to reduce the regularity and severity of these all-too-frequent disasters. In short, the timber industry is an important component in forest management and health.

As a cosponsor of the legislation, House Resolution 81, I ask my colleagues to join me in voting ``yes'' on that piece of legislation and honor an industry which benefits our economy and our forest health.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source