On the recordNovember 1, 2017
I thank my friend from Pennsylvania for yielding me time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017. The National Forest System is governed by the principle of multiple use--conferring maximum sustainable benefits in the form of wildlife habitat, recreation, clean air and water, and timber harvests. Sadly, government red tape and the constant threat of litigation has caused paralysis by analysis at the Forest Service leading to a decrease of public recreation activities and a reduction of timber output. In the counties surrounding the Apalachicola National Forest in Florida's Second District--Franklin, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla--the lack of timber management not only means fewer jobs, but it also creates a smaller tax base which means fewer resources to provide basic services like law enforcement and good schools. Under the Resilient Federal Forests Act of 2017, forest management will be driven by forest health and not by fear of litigation. This improves stewardship and strengthens communities. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.
