As wildfires burn millions of acres this year, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines has consistently told others in Washington DC, that “we need to start managing our forests before they manage us.” That’s why he has been working hard to pass strong and effective forest management reforms in the upcoming Farm Bill. But Sen. Daines needs our help. Please take a moment and click here to send a message to all of Montana’s members of Congress that you support this effort.
The 2018 Farm Bill is likely our final opportunity this year to pass significant forest management reforms that help reduce the risks of catastrophic wildfire, insects, and disease on Montana’s federally-owned forests. With help from Congressman Greg Gianforte, the U.S. House approved a Farm Bill with strong forestry provisions to promote active forest management on federal forests. The U.S. Senate, on the other hand, approved a Farm Bill that lacks meaningful forestry reforms.
Now the House and Senate are negotiating their differences through a conference committee. We are urging committee to pass a final Farm Bill that gives federal land agencies new management tools that are designed to:
- Expedite salvage operations in response to catastrophic events.
- Meet forest plan goals for early successional forests.
- Remove “hazard trees” that pose public safety risks.
- Improve or restore National Forest System lands or reduce the risk of wildfire.
- Accelerate forest restoration.
- Manage and address insect and disease infestations on federal forests.
Sen. Daines is also working to pass a permanent solution to the disastrous Cottonwood decision that is being used to stop forest management projects across Montana. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats have resisted calls for stronger forest reforms. That’s why Sen. Tester is key to getting these important measures across the finish line.
Please click here to send a message to Sens. Daines, Tester and Congressman Gianforte and urge them to pass strong forest management reforms in the Farm Bill. Together, we can improve the health of our national forests and put more Americans back to work in the woods.
