[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   PROTECTION OF OUR NATION'S FORESTS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing, along with 
Representative Carolyn Maloney and over 50 cosponsors, the Act to Save 
America's Forests.
  This bill is a dramatic and bold change in direction in how we as a 
nation protect and treat our public lands. Mudslides, scarred 
landscapes, preventable forest fires and destruction caused by 
clearcutting and other misguided forest management must end. This 
legislation is a huge step in that direction.
  Our Nation's 155 national forests are home to 34 million acres of 
remote wilderness areas and 4,385 miles of wild and scenic rivers. They 
are a valuable resource that generates nearly $199 billion in 
recreation dollars. For a century we have tried to balance the 
conservation of the land and continued access to those who use it. But, 
now, how we manage our public lands is no longer in balance. We favor 
timber creation instead of careful stewardship.
  There are currently eight times more roads in National Forests than 
there are in the National Highway System. Year after year below cost 
timber sales are pushed through, which does not benefit the environment 
or the taxpayer. The most egregious step was the passage of the Timber 
Salvage Rider in the last Congress which waived all laws protecting 
these forests and had a devastating impact on the land, rivers and 
wildlife of our Nation.
  The Act to Save America's Forest will end clearcutting and other 
even-age logging techniques throughout all lands controlled by the 
Federal Government. Under this bill, maintaining native forest 
biological diversity will be the priority of the Federal forest 
management activities. No longer will the Forest Service be charged 
with the task of exploiting and selling off our resources, often below 
costs, instead of conserving them.
  The passage of this bill would also protect once and for all core 
areas of biodiversity including Roadless Areas, the Ancient Forests of 
the Pacific Northwest and over 100 specified areas spread throughout 
our Nation's forest system.
  The overwhelming majority of American people support more 
environmental protection, not less. The bill I introduce today is a 
giant step forward fulfilling our obligation to protect and leave for 
future generations the lands that have been entrusted to us.

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