[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 46 (Thursday, April 17, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ACT TO SAVE AMERICA'S FORESTS

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 17, 1997

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, as a New Yorker, I feel 
strongly about a former New York Governor, Teddy Roosevelt's legacy: 
The National Forest System; 95 percent of America's forests have been 
cut down, just 5 percent remain standing--which is owned by the 
American people.
  The practice of clearcutting forests and even aged logging is 
destroying one of America's most beloved resources.
  It not only upsets the forest ecosystem by draining the soil of 
important nutrients. It weakens the land--creating the potential for 
dangerous mud slides.
  The poor policing of loggers is also threatening the existence of the 
American grizzly bear, salmon, and common song birds.
  Our legislation will:
  Prohibit clear cutting and even aged logging and other abusive 
practices on Federal land.
  Change the mission of the Forest Service by setting it up as the 
enforcement agency for preserving plants and animals native to forests. 
It actually requires the Forest Service to repair past damage either by 
program or by allowing the forest to heal itself.
  And it brings Americans into the enforcement fold by providing 
rewards for citizens who report violations.
  In America right now--Less than 6 percent of the original forests are 
still standing.
  In the lower 48 States just 1 percent remain.
  This legislation doesn't cost much--but it can save 100's of millions 
in road building subsidies.
  The Act of Save America's Forest will effectively shift the focus of 
the forest management of Federal lands from corporate profit, to 
protection and nurturing of our rare and natural resources.

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