APPLETON, WI – Today, Congressman Joe Baca (CA), Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee’s Subcommittee on Department Operations, Oversight, Nutrition, and Forestry, held a hearing in Appleton, Wisconsin to review forest resource management issues in the region.

Wisconsin’s forested land is 16 million acres, and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest covers more than 1.5 million acres or almost 10% of Wisconsin’s forest land. Forest management issues and the health of the paper and timber industry are important issues in Wisconsin.

“America's forests play an essential role in the environmental and economic well-being of many communities throughout our nation, including here in Northern Wisconsin.” Chairman Baca said.  “Today's hearing was a great opportunity to hear from federal, state, and industry officials on how we can strike the proper balance between forest management, economic growth, and environmental concerns.”

“Northeast Wisconsin has always been known for its extensive forests which have played an important role in the housing and paper industries,” said Congressman Steve Kagen (D-WI).  “Now, as our country moves toward greater energy independence, the forests of Northeast Wisconsin have the potential to meet our nation’s needs for renewable energy.”

Written testimony provided by the witnesses is available on the Committee website: http://democrats-agriculture.house.gov/hearings/index.html. A full transcript of the hearing will be posted on the Committee website at a later date.

• Ms. Jeanne Higgins, Forest Supervisor, Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Park Falls, Wisconsin
• Mr. Matt Frank, Secretary, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison, Wisconsin

• Mr. Henry Schienebeck, Executive Director, Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
• Ms. Kathrine Dixon, Staff Attorney, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Chicago, Illinois
• Mr. Bill  Johnson, Johnson Timber, Hayward, Wisconsin
• Mr. Gary Zimmer, Regional Biologist, The Ruffed Grouse Society, Laona, Wisconsin