Rep. Reid Ribble’s (R-Wis.) Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act, H.R. 1526, passed the House on Friday in a 244-173 bipartisan vote.
Ribble teamed with several members of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committees in April to introduce the legislation.
“I am pleased that we were able to pass this important legislation today,” Ribble said. “Since coming to Congress, I have advocated for active management of our national forests, including the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. Healthy forests provide many job opportunities and help our rural economy and our rural schools to prosper. This bill will promote the use of our forests for timber production, which in turn supports Wisconsin’s paper sector. I am hopeful that the Senate will soon begin consideration of this bill to continue the process.”
The legislation requires the U.S. Forest Service to actively manage its commercial timber lands by producing at least half of each forest’s annual sustainable timber yield and to share 25 percent of receipts with counties.
The act also preserves and streamlines existing consultation requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act.
“The Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association is very appreciative and supports Congressman Ribble’s efforts to help rural Wisconsin strengthen its economy by increasing active management on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest,” the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association’s Mark Huempfner said. “Having a steady supply of wood fiber from the national forest is a key part of creating a consistent, positive business environment for rural Wisconsin communities. The Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act, H.R. 1526, is a positive step in the right direction.”