Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Oversight Field Hearing on “Failed Federal Forest Policies: Endangering Jobs, Forests and Species”

Thanks to Mike for sending this.

Upcoming hearing should be worth tuning into. Should generate some discussion.

Can be accessed here:

http://naturalresources.house.gov/Calendar/EventSingle.aspx?EventID=295110

This hearing will examine how federal administering of the Northwest Forest Plan and Endangered Species Act has affected local economies, forest health and the Northern Spotted Owl. In 1990, the Northern Spotted Owl was listed under the Endangered Species Act and as a result, the Northwest federal forest management regime was established. Still in effect, the Northwest Forest Plan has proven to be been a failure. The management plan has been driven by lawsuits as opposed to sound science, caused active forest management to plummet, failed in its mission of protecting the Northern Spotted Owl, and contributed to the deterioration of forest health. The Obama administration recently released a new critical habitat proposal for the Northern Spotted Owl that would replace the current management plan. It would place huge portions Washington, Oregon and California off limits to economic development and could indirectly impact over 19,000 Northwest jobs tied to private lands. The proposed plan also fails to adequately address the most serious threat to the Spotted Owl – the Barred Owl.