U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on July 27 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of bipartisan legislation that would require the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to establish the forest conservation easement program.
“Forestry is one of the largest agricultural industries in Mississippi, creating jobs and providing valuable habitats to wildlife,” Sen. Wicker said. “I am glad to work alongside our nation’s forest owners to protect more of our land and preserve this vital industry for future generations.”
If enacted, the Forest Conservation Easement Program Act of 2023, S. 2631, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), aims to expand and enhance the ability of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to conserve working forests, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Under the program, eligible entities would purchase development rights from willing private and tribal landowners to prevent conversions to non-forest uses while maintaining working forests, the summary says, noting that such action would help landowners restore, enhance, and protect habitat for at-risk species.
“Forestry plays a vital role in supporting New York’s economy, creating numerous jobs across the state,” said Sen. Gillibrand. “I am proud to be leading this effort with Sen. Wicker to ensure that we preserve our working forests and the habitats they provide so foresters can continue to operate responsibly.”
The Senate bill, which is supported by Wildlife Mississippi, the National Alliance of Forest Owners, and the Mississippi Forestry Association, has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee.