Sen. Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act is the best solution to forest management our state has seen in years. The bill brings all kinds of regular, everyday Montanans together to find homegrown solutions to our forest issues. The process and the resulting bill represent good and reasoned efforts in communication and cooperation, which is sorely needed in our public discourse.
When it comes to managing our national forest lands, Montanans know best what will work for our forests and our communities. The Forest Jobs and Recreation Act requires that timber projects be designed by community advisory groups. These groups are to be made up of timber, conservation and recreation representatives as well as community leaders. These local leaders speak for home-grown Montana interests.
I think we should all follow Sen. Tester’s lead and start working together instead of against each other. None of us will get exactly everything we want, but that is the beauty of the democratic process. Working together we will make our forests healthier, create more jobs, protect backcountry and restore our fish and wildlife habitat.
With a co-sponsorship from Sen. Baucus and a hearing with the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, I think it’s time that all our representatives get on board.
I think this is a great bill that brings Montanans together. I hope Rep. Rehberg will join me and thousands of other Montanans in support.
Rosalie Robson
Missoula