Washington, DC – The Senate Agriculture Committee today held a hearing to discuss several bills to help the National Forest Service manage its federal lands, including three bills sponsored by Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet.
“The Forest Service has a big responsibility to manage millions of acres of public land across the country, including 11 National Forests in Colorado,” Bennet said. “These bills will help us maintain and enhance the expansive trail system throughout the country, complete critical restoration projects, and allow the Forest Service to sell certain parcels of land that are no longer appropriate for public ownership. These bills will help the Forest Service effectively manage our National Forests and ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy this land.”
Details on Bennet’s Bills:
- National Forest System Trails Stewardships Act: This is a bipartisan bill Bennet introduced with Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) to improve access to America’s National Forests through improved trail maintenance and preservation. The bill would make better use of existing resources within the Forest Service by significantly increasing the role of volunteers and partners in maintaining the usability and sustainability of the National Forest’s trail system.
- National Forest Foundation Reauthorization Act: This bill would reauthorize the National Forest Foundation through 2018 to ensure it continues to have the resources it needs to leverage private sector funding that enhance and protect national forests and grasslands.
- National Forest Small Tract Act Amendments Act: This bill increases authority for the National Forest Service to sell small parcels of land under the Small Tracts Act, which would allow the Forest Service to more efficiently manage its lands.
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