forest management
Credit: Coconino National Forest, Ariz./Flickr
Forest policy debates could shape, but not shift, national forest management
As November’s election approaches, the battle over how we manage national forests heats up, but the day-to-day work in these forests is likely to stay on course.
In short:
- The Forest Service’s work, including logging and fire management, is expected to continue regardless of election outcomes.
- Major funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and the bipartisan infrastructure law will keep driving forest management projects, though future funding could be uncertain.
- The biggest policy divide may focus on protecting old-growth forests, with Democrats likely pushing for more conservation and Republicans favoring resource management.
Key quote:
“There isn’t much controversy over the need to do more to improve the health of the national forests.”
— Bill Imbergamo, executive director of the Federal Forest Resource Coalition
Why this matters:
No matter the outcome of this fall's elections, the U.S. Forest Service's operations will roll on, driven by its army of career employees, not political appointees. Emphasis on a fire-first approach exemplifies the challenge of balancing immediate threats with long-term forest health. Read more: The push for standing forest protections in US climate policy.
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