[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 28 (Tuesday, February 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RETURN THE FORESTS BACK TO THE PEOPLE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MARY BONO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 1999

  Ms. BONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the introduction of the 
Forest Tax Relief Act (H.R.--), an important bill to let all our 
citizens enjoy the forests free from burdensome taxes. I am proud to 
announce that I have co-authored this bi-partisan bill with my dear 
colleague, Representative Lois Capps (D-CA.) Our original co-sponsors 
include Congressman Merrill Cook (R-UT), Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-
CA) and Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO).
  Due to enabling legislation passed by a previous Congress, the United 
States Forest Service has implemented a new pilot project charging day 
users a per car fee to park on public lands. Dubbed the ``Adventure 
Pass'' by the US Forest Service, this is nothing but a new tax on using 
public lands. Many of my constituents question the fairness and merits 
of this tax, and I share their concern. This tax goes against the 
concept of experiencing our free and open land making it a hardship on 
locals and visitors alike.
  Within the forests of the 44th Congressional district, the per car 
fee for an Adventure Pass is $5. To residents in the communities of 
Idllywild, Anza, Hemet and San Jacinto and tourists who come to enjoy 
these precious lands, this fee is a source of much controversy. We have 
come to expect the freedom to enjoy this area without the inconvenience 
and tax imposed on us today.
  To tax the Great Outdoors is offensive to the very concept of the 
national forest system. The forests are for the entire nation and 
therefore should be supported through the traditional funding process. 
Under this plan, Congress taxes Americans twice. It is now time to 
remedy this situation.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe we are deterring individuals from discovering 
the wonder and beauty of our National Forests. We must encourage people 
to visit, not discourage them from doing so. When tourists go 
elsewhere, it hurts small businesses and it hurts our efforts to 
educate individuals on the importance of protecting this precious 
national resource. This tax serves as a barrier to working families, 
hikers, nature lovers and all those desiring access to our national 
forests.
  I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this effort to return 
the forests back to the people.

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