Thomas Daschle: “Americans rely on the national forests for a wide variety of activities, ranging from timber harvesting to recreation…”

“Americans rely on the national forests for a wide variety of activities, ranging from timber harvesting to recreation and the conservation of wildlife. It is incumbent upon us to maintain those forests in the healthiest condition possible. Unfortunately, throughout the country, and particularly in the inter-mountain west, forests are in poor shape. Persistent drought, disease, and insect infestation have created stands of dead and dying trees that pose a serious risk of fire. The forest fires that last summer burned thousands of acres of forest throughout the West and claimed the lives of men and women of the Forest Service provide bleak evidence of the problem. If we are to manage national forest ecosystems in ways that provide the services that Americans have come to expect, supply them in a sustainable manner and support the diversity of habitat needed to maintain fish and wildlife, then we must confront the forest health issue squarely. Senator Craig will soon introduce the Federal Lands Act Health Amendments of 1995, which is intended to establish a more deliberate and timely process for dealing with forest health problems.”