Subcommittee Examines Forestry Programs

(June 12, 2001)
The Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry convened today to hear recommendations for future forest policy. This Subcommittee is responsible for determining what forestry provisions will be included in the 2002 Farm Bill.

"The Farm Bill is about helping our neighbors, and helping our country sustain itself on the land," said Subcommittee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va). "The land gives us many things, from corn and beans, and grass for pasture, to trees for shelter, recreation, and a clean environment. I believe strongly that forestry should play an important role in the development of a new Farm Bill."

Testimony was presented by the nation's forestry organizations, including the Society of American Foresters, the National Association of Professional Forestry Schools and Colleges, the Forest Landowners Association, and the Southern Environmental Law Center. Among the witnesses was Mr. Chuck Leavell, testifying on behalf of the American Tree Farm System. In addition to being actively involved with the ATFS, Mr. Leavell is a musician with the Rolling Stones.

One common proposal put forth by the witnesses was the creation of a program titled the Sustainable Forestry Incentives Program (SFIP). This program would combine the current Forestry Incentives Program (FIP), which provides cost-share funds for tree planting, site preparation and thinning, with the Stewardship Incentives Program (SIP), which was designed to enroll private, non-industrial forest landowners into a program that would require written management plans.

Another common recommendation from the witnesses is the creation of a new program called the Sustainable Forestry Outreach Initiative. This program would be an educational program designed to educate forest landowners about the value of practicing sustainable forestry; the importance of professional forestry advice in achieving their objectives; and the variety of public and private sector resources available to assist them in planning for and practicing sustainable forestry.

"Nationally, 54% of America's forests are owned by private individuals," explained Chairman Goodlatte. "These lands provide us with a plethora of products and recreational opportunities, and an immeasurable quantity of clean air, clean water, and habitat for both animals and people."

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