[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 22 (Friday, February 23, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1295-S1296]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. BURNS:
  S. 1571. A bill to provide for the exchange of certain lands within 
the 

[[Page S1296]]
State or Montana, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Energy 
and Natural Resources.


                  The Lost Creek Exchange Act of 1996

 Mr. BURNS. Madam President, today I am introducing the Lost 
Creek Land Exchange Act of 1996.
  This bill would accomplish two important things. It authorizes the 
acquisition of the Lost Creek area for the public, and it may help 
prevent the closure of the Brand-S mill in Livingston MT.
  I want to emphasize that this bill is a starting point. I fully 
anticipate major changes will need to be made. Yet, the process needs 
to move forward.
  Under this bill, 14,500 acres of blue-ribbon bighorn sheep habitat 
known as Lost Creek would become a part of the Deerlodge National 
Forest. For the past few years, local sportsman and conservation 
groups, the Forest Service, and many others have been interested in the 
public acquiring this prime habitat. I, too, believe this is a 
worthwhile endeavor.
  The bill I am introducing today would transfer the Lost Creek area, 
and 3,000 additional acres currently owned by R-Y Timber, to the Forest 
Service. In return R-Y Timber will acquire the deed to 3,600 acres and 
46 million board feet of timber.
  As most people in Park County know, R-Y Timber has an option to 
purchase the Brand-S mill in Livingston. If R-Y Timber decides to not 
purchase this mill by the middle of March, it is my understanding that 
the chances for the mill to remain open will be very slim. While R-Y 
Timber already has a mill in Townsend, this land exchange could allow 
R-Y Timber to keep both mills operating, and therefore, prevent the 
loss of 130 much-needed jobs in the Livingston area.
  As I stated earlier, R-Y Timber will receive the deed to 46 million 
board feet of timber in the Deerlodge, Helena, and Lewis and Clark 
National Forests. However, the areas for harvesting have not been 
identified.
  In addition, this timber will be harvested according to the Montana 
Forestry best management practice, Montana streamside zone management 
law, and other State laws. Between 20 and 30 percent of the timber will 
be available each year, and R-Y Timber will have 5 years to complete 
the harvest.
  Language has also been included to assure that designation of the 
timber will not slow down the present limitations on the numbers of 
trained Forest Service personnel. Under this bill, the Forest Service 
would be required to use outside contractors to perform whatever field 
work is necessary for the designation.
  The Lost Creek area has been valued at about $8 million. And the days 
of the Federal Government simply paying the price tag are over. This 
bill provides a way for the public to purchase this prime bighorn sheep 
habitat while providing some timber jobs in our communities.
  Madame President, as I stated earlier the bill I am introducing today 
is a starting point. We have much work ahead of us. Over the next 
couple months, I hope that the parties involved will continue to work 
together so this win-win bill can make it to the President's 
desk.
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