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FEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBS










FORESTRY REFORM IN CALIFORNIA

An initiative to reform logging practices supported by conservationists (prop 130) was narrowly defeated on the November 1990 ballot.  An initiative sponsored by the timber industry to retain the status quo was defeated by a large margin.  In the aftermath, the two sides began a process of negotiation which resulted in a compromise agreement.  The agreement was taken to the State Legislature where four authors divided the agreement into four bills.

The bills, supported by major environmental groups and at least 60% of the timber industry represent a giant step forward toward more balanced sustainable management of our forest lands.

The bills would reduce the allowable clearcut size from 120 acres down to 20 acres.  The amount clearcut in a watershed would be limited for the first time in any State's history to 15% of ownership in a watershed in 10 years.  The area between clearcuts would be increased.  Sustained yield would be required that no more is cut than grown.  Clearcutting of ancient forests would be prohibited.  Improved stream protection rules would be required and greatly increase streams protection zones.  For the first time, it would be required that 15% of every ownership be in trees that are mature or overmature for wildlife.  The amount that could be cut in a watershed by methods other than clearcutting would be limited to control adverse cumulative impacts.

All four bills have passed their first reading.  When the Legislature reconvenes on August 19, two bills will be heard in the Senate Natural Resources Committee and two will be heard in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee.  The Legislature must finish the work by September 13.  The bills will pass or fail by that date.

The four bills are called "The Four Bill Forestry Reform Package".  They are all linked to each other.  The bills are SB 854 (Senator Barry Keene), SB 300 (Senator Dan McCorquodale), AB 714 (Assemblyman Byron Sher), AB 641 (Assemblyman Dan Hauser).

The Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs recommends the enactment of "The Four Bill Forestry Reform Package", SB 854 (Keene), SB 300 (McCorquodale), AB 714 (Sher), and AB 641 (Hauser).

c: Senators and Assemblypersons





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