GAO

Report

Forest Service: Better Data Are Needed to Identify and Prioritize Reforestation and Timber Stand Improvement Needs. GAO-05-374, April 15. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-374
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05374high.pdf

Testimony

Forest Service: Better Data and Clear Priorities Are Needed to Address Increasing Reforestation and Timber Stand Improvement Needs, by Robin M. Nazzaro, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, House Committee on Resources. GAO-05-586T, April 27. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-05-586T
Highlights - http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d05586thigh.pdf


GAO: Forest Service Not Well Positioned to Address Reforestation Needs

For Immediate Release
April 27, 2005
Contact Matt Streit at (202) 226-9019

Washington, DC – Today the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the backlog and growing acreage of lands needing reforestation or timber stand improvements. The report, Forest Service: Better Data and Clear Priorities Are Needed to Address Increasing Reforestation and Timber Stand Improvement Needs, came at the request of Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). The subcommittee is holding a hearing on the report Today at 2:00 pm in 1324 Longworth HOB.

“The enormous wildfires we’ve seen throughout the West in the last few years have put the Forest Service behind in trying to stay caught up with reforestation and timber stand improvement efforts; but when they aren’t able keep pace, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities and timber value become compromised. Beyond that, treatments costs increase each year we fall behind,” said Subcommittee Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR). “A lot of work needs to be done and the committee is going to be looking at this issue very carefully. We have a responsibility to be the best possible stewards when it comes to managing these forests not only for today’s needs, but for those of future generations as well.”

The report examined the growing number of acres needing reforestation, identified the contributing factors and outlined the potential effects of inaction. GAO’s findings supported the subcommittee’s belief that reforestation and timber stand improvements need to be central in order for the Forest Service to continue meeting its forest management objectives and to maintain healthy, vibrant forests.

“It’s no secret that the sharp increase of wildland fires has contributed to a large number of forest lands needing replanting,” said Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo (R-CA). “There is certainly a consensus in Congress that replanting after catastrophic fire, disease and insect infestation is good policy. We need to work toward getting a plan in place that will help the Forest Service to do just that.”

GAO cited Forest Service reports that detail the recent spike in natural disasters. In 2000, wildland fires burned over 8 million acres, compared to the 2.3 million acres burned in 1998. Similarly, insects and disease damaged over 12 million acres in 2003 compared to the less than 2 million acres in 1999.

Historically the Forest Service funded reforestation and timber stand improvement needs with revenue generated from timber harvests. However, due to the sharp decline in timber harvests and an equally sharp rise in catastrophic events, reforestation projects have been increasingly accumulating.

Without future restoration and timber stand improvements, wildlife habitat will suffer, the cost of treatments will rise for controlling competing vegetation and forests will become increasingly prone to wildland fires and insect infestation.

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