Statement: AFF Statement on House Voting to Increase Support for Forest Landowners Impacted by Natural Disasters
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rita Hite, president & CEO of the American Forest Foundation, released the following statement regarding House passage of the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act (H.R.1101), which would strengthen the Emergency Forest Restoration Program and Emergency Conservation Program:
“AFF applauds House passage of the Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act after unanimous passage of the companion bill in the Senate. The bill now heads to the President for signature, an example of bipartisan Congressional support for American families and forests.
“When forests are damaged by natural disasters like wildfires and floods, the whole community suffers — wildlife habitats are destroyed, a decline in timber harvesting hurts the economy, and forests are at greater risk of further degradation. Providing timely financial assistance to landowners to restore and protect their forests is essential to making communities whole again after disaster strikes. By investing in and strengthening two of the primary mechanisms for supporting landowners — the Emergency Forest Restoration Program and the Emergency Conservation Program — the federal government is reaffirming the importance of family-owned forests to our nation's economy and natural beauty.
Learn more about AFF’s policy priorities here.
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About The American Forest Foundation
The American Forest Foundation is a national organization that empowers family forest owners to deliver meaningful conservation impact. The organization’s programs, the Family Forest Carbon Program and the American Tree Farm System, help landowners implement forest management practices to care for the health and productivity of their woodlands. To learn more about the American Forest Foundation and the Family Forest Carbon Program, visit www.forestfoundation.org.
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