Crenshaw Measure for $40 Million National Forest Restoration Project Earns Appropriations Committee Approval

Press Release

Northeast Florida's Osceola National Forest is one of 15 areas across the nation included in a $40 million comprehensive forest restoration project, requested by Congressman Ander Crenshaw and included in the House-passed Fiscal Year 2015 Interior Appropriations Bill. The full legislation, including Crenshaw's provision, was passed by the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, July 15 and now moves to the House floor for consideration.

Crenshaw, a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement:

"Adverse weather conditions have heavily impacted our National Forests, including those close to home in Northeast Florida, making acreage susceptible to fire, habitat deterioration, and other types of environmental and water quality decline. That's why I requested $40 million be included in next year's Interior bill for the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program.

"The accelerated restoration of a 234,995-acre section of longleaf pine in the Osceola National Forest is among the projects in the overall program. Reducing the amount of hazardous biomass, thinning smaller trees, restoring groundcover, and creating a habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker are all part of the Osceola initiative.

"The comprehensive Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program represents a valuable use of funding that will help preserve our public lands and protect local communities for generations to come. I'll be strongly encouraging my colleagues to support the Interior bill as we move forward."

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