Trees cannot thrive when choked by an overgrowth of brush, shrubs and smaller trees that promote wildfires and harbor tree-killing insects. Local forest communities are often at risk from the delay from a complicated and unweildy process that has prevented treatment of dangerous conditions.

Dec 3, 2003, President Bush signs into law the "Healthy Forests Restoration Act" Nov 20 Senate-House Agreement "Healthy Forests Restoration Act" narrative statement of managers text of bill Senate & House finalize text-reading software free version) Oct 30 previous Senate bill, 80 - 14 Committee news release July 24 Committee votes audio replay June 26 hearing with experts witnesses' opening statements Healthy Forests resources: finding common ground to make law Balancing forest protection by process and practicality -- discussed by legal experts in judicial procedure and environmental law. (Video playback from the Committee's June 26 hearing)

A more understandable process encourages people to hear about - and be more involved with - healthy forest decisions.

October 30, 2003, the U.S. Senate approved 80 to 14, the "Healthy Forests Restoration Act" that coordinates federal, local and judicial actions to ensure forest protection. However, revisions made by the Senate to this original House-passed bill required a Conference Committee of Senate and House to produce a consensus bill for final consideration by each chamber.

 

 

 

November 20, 2003: Senate-House Conference approves the essential core of the legislation, finding common ground between the Senate and the earlier version passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in May.

November 21, the Senate's version of the bill passed Congress and was signed into law December 3, 2003.

The new law:

• Tailors authorized hazardous fuel reduction projects to 20 million acres and gives statutory protection for old-growth forests

• Prohibits these projects within the National Wilderness Preservation System, on federal lands where Congress or the President has prohibited or restricted removal of vegetation, or within wilderness study areas

• Maximizes the retention of large trees
  Directs projects to focus largely on small diameter trees, thinning, strategic fuel breaks, and prescribed fire to modify fire behavior

• Public participation in proposed project meetings, and during environmental analysis
  Focuses filing of federal lawsuits to those who have exhausted administrative review efforts to challenge a proposed project

• Sets 60-day review requirements for the update of project status and continuing renewals of temporary injunctions in connection with federal lawsuits