Barbara Boxer: “The Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery and Economic Stability Act is the result of many years of consensus building in…”

“The Quincy Library Group Forest Recovery and Economic Stability Act is the result of many years of consensus building in an effort to unite unlikely partners in a mutually beneficial project. President Clinton spurred this consensus approach in April 1993, at the Northwest Forest Summit, when he challenged Americans to stay in the conference room and out of the courtroom. One local group put this difficult challenge into action and began a series of meetings in the only place they knew they could ensure civility, and some degree of quiet--their local library. With that, the Quincy Library Group was created. This group of local citizens surrounding Quincy, CA, including timber industry representatives, local environmental activists, and public officials, have been meeting periodically since 1992 to develop a timber management plan for the areas' surrounding national forests. They did not have an easy task before them--promoting the local economy, preserving jobs, and protecting the environment. Several years ago I visited Quincy, CA, and had an opportunity to see first hand the problems in the forests and the community at work. Since that time, I have worked with the Quincy Library Group, U.S. Forest Service, Senator Feinstein, Members of Congress, and the national environmental community in an effort to reach a consensus. I believe that is what we have before us today.”