[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 144 (Thursday, October 6, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: October 6, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       FOREST HEALTH ACT OF 1994

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I would like to voice my support for 
the Forest Health Act of 1994. This bill is desperately needed for the 
areas which experienced fires this summer in Montana.
  This bill would allow for salvaging in fire areas this summer. It 
would give the Forest Service, the professional land managers, the 
ability to actively manage these areas. Salvaging in these areas is 
proper land management activity. And, the Forest Service should be 
given the opportunity to manage these areas. It is the right thing to 
do.
  Also, this bill would provide needed jobs to the people of Montana. 
Timber harvesting in Montana has decreased by 50 percent in recent 
years, this puts our 15,000 timber jobs at great, and unnecessary risk. 
In addition, 46 percent of western Montana's economy is timber based. 
This bill would help protect that portion of our economy.
  While I know there is not enough legislative time to pass this bill, 
I hope the Congress will consider similar legislation next 
year.

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