Number: 1995-08
WHEREAS, the 26 million acres of forest stretching across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York is the largest unbroken forest in the eastern United States; and
WHEREAS, the United States Congress and the four Northern Forest states have recognized the forest as a resource of national significance; and
WHEREAS, change in the form of land conversions, increased timber harvesting, and high property and estate taxes is threatening traditional land uses in the Northern Forest; and
WHEREAS, Congress appropriated money for a four-state Northern Forest Lands Council to make recommendations for conserving the Northern Forest, and
WHEREAS, at numerous public meetings the public spoke out in favor of land protection, biodiversity, recreational opportunities, a diverse sustainable economy, and improved forest harvesting practices; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Forest Lands Council released its final recommendations to the U.S. Congress and the Governors of the Northern Forest states in September 1994; and
WHEREAS, the Northern Forest Lands Council’s process and recommendations serve as a national model for finding solutions to other regional conservation/economic issues; and
WHEREAS, the National Wildlife Federation in 1990 called upon Congress to provide funding for the Northern Forest Lands Study and to provide emergency acquisition funds;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation in its Annual Meeting assembled March 18-20, 1995 in Washington, D.C., calls upon Congress to embrace the spirit of consensus created by the Northern Forest Lands Council; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls upon Congress to pass legislation implementing the recommendations of the Northern Forest Lands Council which will ensure sustainable uses within the 26 million acre Northern Forest Ecosystem, including ecological reserves, well managed forest lands for timber, recreation and wildlife, biodiversity, and healthy, viable human communities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation calls upon Congress to support funding for the Northern Forest lands through existing programs such as, but not limited to: Stewardship Incentive Program, Land & Water Conservation Fund, Forest Legacy, and education through the USDA Extension Service.