Pearce Introduces Legislation to Salvage Lumber, Promote Restoration

Statement

Today,Congressman Steve Pearce (NM-02) joined Representatives Paul Gosar (AZ-01) and Jeff Flake (AZ-06) in introducing the Wallow Fire Recovery and Monitoring Act, legislation that would expedite the removal of hazard, dead and dying trees in the community protection management areas in the Wallow Fire area.

"For decades, reckless forest management has killed logging jobs and contributed to dry, overcrowded forests," said Pearce. "This year, we have seen the consequences as hundreds of thousands of acres have gone up in flames, costing hundreds of millions of dollars and wasting valuable timber. This legislation is a commonsense solution that will help with local job creation and provide an important first step in returning to responsible forest management."

The legislation requires a comprehensive evaluation of the forest conditions in the area affected by the Wallow Fire. This legislation also provides for an expedited, but thorough, environmental review of tree removal projects proposed in the Wallow Fire Area, including full public participation. Tree removal would be limited to hazard trees, trees that are already down, dead, or broken, and severely root sprung trees where high mortality is expected.

Under the Act, the removal projects must be carried out within 18 months following its enactment to ensure the work is done while the resources are still salvageable. The revenues generated from the projects would then be put toward forest restoration treatments.

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