Introduced in 1990 by Rep. Jontz (IN). Would create an Ancient Forest Reserve System: some established immediately, the remainder based on recommendations of a scientific study commissioned by the Act. Limited to forests of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. AFPA language addresses primarily the significant stands of old-growth forest and limited younger associated forests deemed necessary to preserve the old-growth ecosystem. The phrase "significant stands of Ancient Forest" may be a loophole; it is essential that this be interpreted to include all biologically viable old-growth independent of acreage size.
To be introduced in March, 1991. An ecosystem protection bill that protects a majority of the remaining roadless area and de facto wilderness in the Wild Rockies Bioregion, including Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, E. Oregon, and E. Washington. Wilderness Area, Parks, National Wildland Restoration and Recovery Area, and Wild and Scenic River designations are made to protect wildlife and maintain biological diversity, according the needs of ecosystems and biological connectors.
Introduced by Rep. Bryant (TX) in 1989, to be reintroduced in 1991 in improved form. Would ban clearcutting (even-age management) and the associated practices of slash burning and herbicide/pesticide use, on all federal forestlands nationwide managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Armed Services. Allows continued logging on federal lands with the less ecologically harmful technique of selection management: by removing only single trees or small groups of trees, selection management protects and enhances biological diversity.
To be introduced in April, 1991. Would protect virgin (never logged) and native (if logged, naturally regenerated and diverse) forests on federal lands nationwide. Would ban clearcutting by including provisions of Clearcutting Restraint Act. Deals with related economic issues (protects jobs, stabilizes and diversifies economies) by stopping exports on minimally processed timber, providing economic assistance to workers, and creating incentives for paper recycling.
Save America's Forests can be reached at:
Main Office
4 Library Court, SE
Washington, DC 11803
202-544-9219
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2004
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