[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1994, Book I)]
[April 14, 1994]
[Page 697]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on the Pacific Northwest Forest Management Plan
April 14, 1994

    Today marks the beginning of a new era for the Pacific Northwest and 
for forestry management across our Nation.
    With this decision, we begin efforts to restore the forests that 
make the region beautiful, productive, and utterly unique. We are taking 
the single most important step toward once again having a steady flow of 
timber to Pacific Northwest mills. At the same time, the plan provides 
for sustainable management of our Nation's precious natural resources.
    This plan fulfills the commitment I made one year ago. It is 
environmentally credible and backed by the best available science. It 
meets the high standards required by Federal court and expected by the 
American people. It is a document that should move management of Federal 
forests out of the courts and into the hands of professional resource 
managers. Today's decision moves us from gridlock to growth, from 
obstructionism to opportunity.
    The Secretaries' decision today offers a hopeful break from the 
past. It is just one element of a strong and comprehensive plan for the 
Pacific Northwest. Working closely with the Congress, my administration 
has forged powerful new partnerships with State and local governments in 
the region. We are creating new, well-paying jobs in timber-dependent 
communities and are providing the certainty that investors and 
businesses in the region have so desperately needed. Our ties to the 
region and our commitment of financial support for the next 5 years will 
continue to provide the leadership for a full economic recovery.

Note: The Record of Decision was signed by Secretary of Agriculture Mike 
Espy and Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt.