WASHINGTON, D.C. - MEMBERS OF CONGRESS DEDICATED TO FINDING
PROACTIVE, COOPERATIVE MEASURES TO IMPROVE FOREST HEALTH WILL
HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 TO ANNOUNCE
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE QUINCY LIBRARY GROUP FOREST RECOVERY AND
ECONOMIC STABILITY ACT OF 1997.
The bill, to be introduced by Rep. Wally Herger (R-CA), establishes
a five year pilot project to test innovative approaches to forest
management proposed by the Quincy Library Group, a community-based
coalition of environmentalists, the forest products industry,
and local elected officials in Northern California.
Oregon Congressman Bob Smith, Chairman of the House Committee
on Agriculture and an original cosponsor of the Quincy Library
Group Bill, has indicated that forestry will be one of the Committee's
highest priorities in the 105th Congress.
"I strongly support the bill and particularly the cooperative
effort by such diverse interests. We can manage the forests to
reduce fuel loads, protect and enhance forest health, and provide
for economic activity in our communities, but it takes a cooperative,
proactive effort. The Quincy Library Group is just that,"
Smith said.
Particulars of the press conference, which will be attended by
members of both the Agriculture and Resources Committees, are
as follows:
All media are invited and welcome.