EDGEFIELD, S.C. — The NWTF commends the House Committee on Natural Resources for advancing the Fix Our Forests Act (H.R. 8790), a significant legislative effort to enhance forest management and restoration practices on public, tribal and national forest lands. This critical piece of legislation addresses the growing risks of wildfires and the need for accelerated forest restoration efforts.
The Fix Our Forests Act seeks to expand and expedite necessary forest management activities such as hazardous fuels reduction, thinning and reforestation, which are vital to mitigating wildfire risks and promoting the health of overgrown, fire-prone forests. The bill introduces a more effective approach to handling forest management, particularly in high-priority ecosystems that face extreme fire risks. Key components of the bill include:
- Expediting Environmental Reviews: The act streamlines environmental analyses for forest management projects, particularly in high-risk areas, reducing costs and planning times while maintaining rigorous environmental standards.
- Promoting Collaboration: It fosters cooperation among federal, state, tribal and local entities in wildfire mitigation efforts, encouraging engagement with landowners and communities.
- Establishing the Fireshed Center: The bill creates a “Fireshed Center” to enhance coordination and operational efficiency between public agencies, tribes and local communities.
- Addressing Litigation Challenges: It implements measures to deter frivolous litigation that often delays essential forest management projects, ensuring timely implementation of restoration activities.
- Prioritizing High-Risk Areas: The act introduces a framework for identifying and prioritizing treatments in forests most susceptible to catastrophic wildfires, ensuring resources are focused on areas of greatest need.
- Incorporating Scientific Innovations: It encourages the use of cutting-edge science and techniques in forest management, including innovative methods for carbon dioxide sequestration.
- Enhancing Utility Collaboration: The bill facilitates better cooperation between utilities and federal partners to strengthen infrastructure and mitigate hazards within rights-of-way.
- Strengthening Management Tools: It improves tools like Good Neighbor Authority and Stewardship Contracting to support active forest management and restoration efforts.
By integrating these elements, the Fix Our Forests Act aims to accelerate the pace and scale of forest restoration, reduce wildfire risks and ensure the long-term health and resilience of forest ecosystems.
Addressing the Cottonwood Decision
One of the key provisions of this bill includes a long-awaited fix for the 2015 Cottonwood decision by setting clear criteria for judicial review of forest management decisions. This reform limits unnecessary litigation, enabling forest management projects to proceed without undue delay, and ensures that critical restoration and wildfire prevention efforts can continue unimpeded.
A Collaborative Approach to Forest Health
Through its emphasis on shared stewardship and collaboration, the bill strengthens partnerships between federal agencies, state governments, tribal leaders and local communities. With the designation of wildfire management areas, the bill promotes local engagement in forest restoration, while also ensuring transparency and public involvement in planning and decision-making.
“This legislation is a game-changer in our fight against wildfires,” said NWTF Co-CEO Kurt Dyroff. “By streamlining processes and supporting active forest management, it not only protects communities and ecosystems but also addresses the root causes of wildfires.”
Take Action Now
As this important legislation moves to the House floor, we urge all NWTF members and partners to reach out to their representatives in Congress and encourage them to support the Fix Our Forests Act. This bill represents a significant opportunity to protect our forests, safeguard our communities from the devastating impacts of wildfires and ensure healthier, more resilient ecosystems for future generations.
Contact Your Representative Now
About the National Wild Turkey Federation
Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 23 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.
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