[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[House]
[Page H4976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             75TH ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN FOREST FOUNDATION

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the House 
Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry, I was proud to 
join with a bipartisan group of my House colleagues yesterday in 
introducing H. Con. Res. 144, recognizing the 75th anniversary of the 
American Tree Farm System.
  The American Tree Farm System is operated by the American Forest 
Foundation. It is the largest and oldest sustainable forestry program 
for forest owners. The program was created in 1941 in order to engage 
and support landowners to ensure the health and safety of the forests, 
especially in facing wildfires in the Western States.
  This resolution commends the work of tree farmers and volunteers 
across the Nation who have participated in the program over the past 75 
years, especially their investments in time, manpower, and personal 
funds to further sustainable forestry practices.
  Mr. Speaker, family forest owners own the largest share of forests in 
the United States. These forests provide for Americans well beyond 
their properties, as they help to maintain clean water, clean air, wood 
supply, wildlife habitat, jobs, and recreational opportunities. 
Programs such as the American Tree Farm System help these forest owners 
continue to steward our lands and protect those benefits.

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