Ellen Simpson - May 04, 2009
Montana Wood Products Association
NREPA
While our country and her citizens continue to flounder in an economic morass, one congressional subcommittee is about to waste its time and our tax dollars by conducting a hearing on the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act or commonly called NREPA. Thankfully Montana’s delegation has consistently opposed NREPA along with all other members of Congress from the affected states.
There seems to be a small vocal group determined to push its radical agenda on the rest of us by promotion of this Draconian federal legislation. The promoters ignore the fact that humans – yes, people – already live on or near the 24 million acres that would be placed off limits by NREPA.
The concept is sort of like the roadless issue whereby many of the acres currently have signs of human habitation along with roads and other amenities used by people like houses and cell towers. Additionally, the flawed numbers used by supporters regarding economic benefits of passage of NREPA simply do not appear to be true. There is no credible available analysis to prove the numbers claimed to produce jobs and benefits and certainly none to indicate how any of it would be paid for other than by taxpayers out of the federal checkbook.
This poorly conceived idea by a few does not take into consideration any of the many beneficial attributes of active forest management not the least of which is carbon sequestration in its most natural form.
Trees are one of nature’s most positive renewable resources. And, that is why those in the forestry profession are optimistic about the beneficial effects of sustainable forest management and production of wood products.
Those same professionals know that maximizing timber harvesting helps to avoid deforestation that could convert forestland into other uses because of the economic benefits to the property owners due to management. Another positive effect of that same harvesting is the reduction of the impact of catastrophic disturbances such as fires and disease as well as production of value-added products that continue to sequester carbon while used by consumers.
We in Montana are truly blessed with abundant forest reserves but unfortunately much of it is in dire need of attention. Many of our municipal watersheds are in need of human intervention to help preserve the clean water, clean air, and habitat used by both our residents and our critters.
The timber community appreciates humans and human activities on the landscape that has been so graciously provided for our careful use. We believe in sustainable, active forestry that works with Mother Nature and the wonders of our forests. Ours is an effort to work with and on the land, not the keep out approach used by the promoters of NREPA.
We know and can prove the economic impacts of our industry to Montana and our communities. Even with current economic challenges, the State of Montana benefits by employment of about 9,000 hard-working families earning an average of $40,000 to $45,000 per year per employee. This employment and earnings in the forest products arena account for nearly 25 percent of Montana’s entire manufacturing economic segment.
Several food for thought items come to mind that need contemplation. Does Montana need more land off limits to the majority of our residents and visitors? Do we want our national parks out of reach to folks who can only tour our beautiful scenery by vehicle? Do we want to do a” trust me” with dubious economic and employment numbers? My answer to all of those questions is a resounding no which is why I strongly oppose NREPA and urge you to do likewise.
Much of the land in question would benefit greatly from sustainable forestry practices while keeping Montana families employed producing value-added commodities. Thanks in advance for your support of your neighbors and friends who work in the timber industry and provide a valuable service to all of Montana by doing so.
On behalf of the Montana Wood Products Association based in Helena, I am Ellen Simpson. Thanks for listening.
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