East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho has joined his colleagues in introducing a bill aimed at ensuring that state and local land managers have a say in protecting the country's old growth forests. The legislation is designed to block a U.S. Forest Service policy that has been criticized for hindering local and state forestry initiatives without taking into account the specific conditions of forests nationwide.

Crapo expressed his concern about the U.S. Forest Service's proposed Old Growth Plan Amendment, stating that it was developed without adequate input from state or local authorities. He highlighted the failure of this approach to address significant threats to old growth forests, such as wildfires. Crapo emphasized the importance of involving Idahoans in the stewardship of their state's lands and resources, asserting that they are best equipped to handle wildfire management efforts effectively.

The Biden Administration's directive to the U.S. Forest Service in April 2022 to assess risks to "old-growth and mature" forests without a Congressional mandate has sparked criticism. The U.S. Forest Service's subsequent release of a Notice of Intent in December 2023 to amend all 128 forest plans within a year has raised concerns, as it contradicts the agency's usual practice of tailoring approaches at the forest level.

Senator Crapo is joined by Senators Jim Risch, John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, and Steve Daines in co-sponsoring the legislation aimed at addressing these issues and ensuring that state and local perspectives are considered in forestry management decisions.