John Kerry: “I want to express my concern over this rider. I am concerned because the White Mountain National Forest is a national…”

“I want to express my concern over this rider. I am concerned because the White Mountain National Forest is a national resource, and it is completely appropriate for the federal government to set forth policies to conserve and protect a national resource. Many of my constituents in Massachusetts hike, camp, sightsee and enjoy the great natural lands of the White Mountains. In fact, it was a Massachusetts Congressman, John Weeks, who sponsored the legislation creating the White Mountain National Forest. When the Forest Service sought comment on a new management plan for the forest, more than 54 percent of all comments were submitted by Massachusetts residents. Proponents of the rider have argued that its purpose is to protect local control of forest management. Certainly local residents should have input in the management of the forest. However, it sets a bad precedent when one forest is exempted from a national policy to protect the national interest. Despite these concerns I did not move to strike this rider.”