WALLY HERGER: “here is a real-world example of why this legislation is so crucially important. In 1995, a storm leveled 30,000 acres of…”

“here is a real-world example of why this legislation is so crucially important. In 1995, a storm leveled 30,000 acres of forestland in the northern California district I represent. This blowdown increased the fuel load in the forest by as much as 500 percent. Immediate action was needed to protect the landscape and, thereby, communities from catastrophic fire. Forest Service experts said it is not a matter of if a fire will occur, but how extensive the damage will be unless restoration proceeds immediately. But timely restoration work was mired in paperwork, appeals, and frivolous litigation. Four years later, the Megram fire swept through the area, fueled by the timber that was left to die on the forest floor. Thousands of acres that could have been protected were destroyed and will take a lifetime to recover. These two photos demonstrate the consequences of delay and inaction. This first photo, taken in 2004, shows the results of prompt reforestation efforts following the volcano fire of 1960. In 1960, Federal managers were able to act quickly and reforestation was successful. Today, foresters cannot act quickly because of red tape, and destroyed landscapes that you see on the left is the result. This other photo, taken in the Tahoe National Forest, shows just how deadly catastrophic fire can be to the forests and surrounding environments. Mr. Speaker, delay is a recipe for disaster.…”