Tester’s forest bill not a feasible, long-term solution

Sen. Jon Tester’s proposed legislation, the Forest Jobs and Recreation Act, clearly recognizes that the governance of the national forest system is increasingly dysfunctional, expensive, inconsistent, confused and frustrating. Surely those who cobbled together this “compromise” did so with the best of intentions. And, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., has the nerve to address the impasse. But, the proposal sidesteps the real problem and opens a Pandora’s box. This solution will prove to be neither feasible nor long-lasting while further confusing the situation. Should the national forests become “local forests” managed under separate laws and overseen by “advisory panels” financed with federal dollars and staffed with federal employees? Who cut this deal – which is proposed as law supplanting current prescribed planning and management processes? I do not question the proponent’s integrity or motivations. I applaud their willingness to step forward. But, the approach is flawed, inappropriate, less than fully informed, and has implications for the management of the entire national forest system. It should be debated in that context...read more

The column linked to is by Jack Ward Thomas, former Chief of the FS.

It amazes me how some federales and most enviro's oppose local input into forest plans and management. If, as Ward says, the mgt. of forest lands is now "dysfunctional, expensive, inconsistent, confused and frustrating" why not try something new? Personally, I think the local or regional mgt of federal lands is in our future.