Alan Simpson: “First I would like to note that I support the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program, CFLR. This bill funds…”

“First I would like to note that I support the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program, CFLR. This bill funds the program at $30 million. In the CR, it was funded at $25 million; and in fiscal year 2010, it was funded at $10 million. We've supported it enough that we've increased funding for it from the 2010 level through the CR and in this bill. The funding for this program has increased dramatically at a time when other programs are being cut. The offset for this program is hazardous fuels; and because of the budget authority and outlays, the amendment has to cut $16.6 million to pay for a $10 million increase in this program. The hazardous fuels program has been extremely effective at reducing the threat of catastrophic fire. I would also argue that hazardous fuels funds get to the ground and actually make a meaningful impact much earlier than the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration program, which can take years before a project is even implemented. I understand and agree with the gentleman that in our bill report we state over and over that the Forest Service needs more active management at a much larger scale. But CFLR is not the only program that does this. There are numerous programs and line items for improving forest health and reducing wildfire risk. We funded all of these at FY11 levels. I am glad that the CFLR program is working well in Arizona, but it is not working as well in other parts of the country.…”