Click the button below to search for articles... View News Items from prior months... June 2021 July 2020 June 2016 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 July 2013 June 2013 March 2013 February 2013 November 2012 October 2012 August 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 November 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 October 2010 September 2010 February 2010 January 2010 | California Counties Urge National Forest Management Reform SACRAMENTO, CA - October 28, 2013 - The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) announced their joint support for the enactment of legislation to better manage California's national forests. "The growing bipartisan recognition that Congress must address proper management of our nation's forests illustrates the need to enact healthy forest legislation in 2014," said Kevin Cann, RCRC Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor. "The recent wildfires on U.S. Forest Service lands clearly demonstrate the results if Congress fails to act." Two weeks ago, RCRC and CSAC authored a joint letter to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources urging the creation of bipartisan legislation related to forest management reform. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1526 to provide a mechanism for better management of our federal forests; however, most congressional observers believe that legislation will not be considered in the U.S. Senate. "The health of our forests, the safety of our rural communities, and California's natural resources are threatened by the current condition of our national forests," said David Finigan, CSAC President and Del Norte County Supervisor. "It is crucial that all of California's forested counties experience a reform in the management of the forests to minimize fire threats, ensure a proper balance of animal life and vegetation, protect recreational opportunities, and help rural communities return to economic vitality." RCRC and CSAC argue that while components of the House of Representatives-approved legislation may not be acceptable to the majority of the Senate, reforms can be adopted to address active management, streamline environmental laws, and revise the U.S. Forest Service's day-to-day approach to managing our forests. Published: 10/28/13 |