This is yet another reminder for all activists to take action on the
President's Healthy Forest Bill which the Senate will vote on when it returns after
the August recess. HR 1904, The Healthy Forest Initiative Bill of 2003 does
nothing about fuel reduction in the areas where it is needed most, the areas
closest to homes and communities. Instead it allows timber harvest to continue in
the backcountry far from communities. Using the excuse of extreme danger of
wildfires, the Forest Service is allowing "Fuel Reduction Timber Sales" which
remove big, fire resistant trees along with brush and small diameter trees.
Indeed, the Forest Service's own research shows that the best way to protect homes
and communities is to remove fuels 500 meters from communities. Homeowners
should fire proof their houses by clearing branches and pine needles from roofs
and keep flammable materials 30 to 60 feed away from buildings.
President Bush's Healthy Forest Initiative will "streamline" timber
management, in other words, limit or remove public input including the right to sue,
change environmental rules including endangered species and in general, allow
lawless logging on our national forests.
Here is what you should do right now before the Congressional Recess is over.
Write, call or email your two Senators and ask them to oppose the Healthy
Forest Initiative, HR1904, and/or schedule an in district visit with the Senator
or their aides. A brief letter to the editor is also a good idea. Your
participation in this action is important. Also ask your members and friends to take
part also. The Senate could vote on this as early as the first week in
September. Thanks to all of you for your help.
Gerald Neff, National Forest Protection Committee

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