Blog: Arkansas Forestry Association, More Than 40 Organizations Express Support for Resilient Federal Forests Act

Statement

The Resilient Federal Forests Act has made it out of two different committees and is set for a vote on the floor of the House of Representative within weeks.

Since introducing the bill, I have continued to receive correspondence from constituents and groups around the country supporting this common sense legislation to make our national forests healthy again. Among the supporters is Max Braswell, executive vice president of the Arkansas Forestry Association (AFA).

In a letter, Braswell explains why he and the AFA support H.R. 2647 (.pdf):

AFA members and all Arkansans depend on healthy forests, whether they are privately-owned or national forest lands.

If enacted, this legislation will enhance opportunities for the U.S. Forest Service to use tools to better protect lands from wildfire, insects and disease. I know that our friends at the U.S. Forest Service here in Arkansas are striving to be as proactive as possible in managing this incredible resource. However, NFS lands continue to face real threats to long-term health and sustainability.

It is AFA's hope that using the tools outlined in the legislation will increase opportunities for sustainable forest management, which in turn will provide increased benefits including clean water, air, wildlife habitat, employment for rural communities, and high quality forest products, just to name a few. I'm pleased to see that there is a high priority identified in the legislation for increased collaboration. In addition, modernizing the Secure Rural Schools & Community Self-Determination Act is much needed.

I applaud your proactive approach to address barriers, streamline processes, build dialogue, increase opportunities for sustainable forest management and implement reforms that are aimed at making real change.

Since introducing the legislation on June 4, the following organizations have written to my office or called to express their support:

National Association of Counties

Association of Arkansas Counties

Joe Fox, Arkansas State Forester

National Water Resources Association

Intertribal Council

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (individual letter)

Forest Products Industry National Labor Committee, which includes:

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners

United Mine Workers of America

Association of Western Pulp and Paper Workers

Carpenters Industrial Council

Woodworkers District Lodge 1, IAM

Woodworkers District Lodge 2, IAM

American Forest and Paper Association

American Forest Research Council

Arkansas Forestry Association

California Forestry Association

Intermountain Forest Association

Louisiana Forestry Association

Minnesota Forest Industries

Oregon Forest Industries Association

Sportsmen groups in a single letter:

Boone and Crocket Club

Camp Fire Club of America

Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation

Masters of Foxhounds Association

Mule Deer Foundation

National Association of Forest Service Retirees

National Rifle Association

National Wild Turkey Federation

North American Grouse Partnership

Pope and Young Club

Quality Deer Management Association

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

Ruffed Grouse Society

Safari Club International

Tread Lightly!

Wildlife Mississippi

Wild Sheep Foundation

California Agriculture Commissioners and Sealers Association

El Dorado County, California

Healthy Forests, Healthy Communities Coalition

Public Lands Council

National Cattlemen Beef Association

National Home Builder Association

Source