NEWS FLASHES
Last update:  11 December, 2001

The following news flashes come from the National SAF office in Bethesda, Maryland. 

10 December, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Debating Farm Bill
Rey Faced with Two Difficult Issues
House Subcommittee Hears from Current and Former Forest Service Chiefs
House Passes Public Lands Bills

3 December, 2001

D.C. Update
The Farm Bill
Public Lands Bills Expected This Week
Gridlock Hearing Rescheduled
Forest Service Publishes Forest Plan Revision Schedule
House Passes Land Bills
House Panel Unanimously Passes Parks Bills

26 November, 2001

D.C. Update
Farm Bill could be on the floor
Senate Subcommittee to Markup Public Lands Bills
House Committee to Consider Several Bills
Southern Forest Resource Assessment Report is Released

19 November, 2001

D.C. Update
The Senate and House are in recess until November 27.
Forest Service Upholds Sierra Nevada Plan
Senate Panel Says Forest Service Is Not Implementing Rules
Senate Committee Passes Farm Bill
Land Bills Pass House Committee
Senate Passes Agriculture Conference Report

12 November, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate to Vote on Agriculture Conference Report
Senate Committee Continues Work on Farm Bill
Confirmation Hearing for BLM Director
Panel to Review Thirtymile Fire Report
House Clears Agriculture Conference Report
House Passes Klamath Basin Relief Bill
National Parks Bills Go Before Subcommittee
President Bush Signs Interior Appropriations
SFRA scheduled for Public Release
Blackwell to be California Supervisor
Comments Sought on Special Use Permits
Rey Testifies Before House Panel
Senate Panel Passes Forestry Title of the Farm Bill
Amie Brown

5 November, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Panel to Mark Up Farm Bill
Rey to Testify on Forestry Concerns
U.S. Adds Anti-dumping Levy on Canadian Exports
EPA TMDL program hearing

29 October, 2001

D.C. Update
Gridlock Hearing Rescheduled
GAO Blasts Forest Service for Accounting Failure
Hearing on Northwest Forest Plan Canceled
Senate Passes Agriculture Spending Bill

22 October, 2001

D.C. Update
Panel Hearing on Northwest Forest Plan
Millions Comment on Roadless Area Management
Laverty to Lead Colorado Park Agency
House and Senate Approve Interior Conference Report
Senator Lugar Introduces Farm Bill
Witnesses Recommend Changes to a Colorado Wilderness Bill
Senate Passes Land and Water Bills
Crapo to Hold Idaho Farm Bill Hearing

15 October, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Subcommittee Reviews Forest Service Fatalities
Senate Committee Continues Farm Bill Progress
Interior Spending Report Expected on the Floor
House Panel Considers Wilderness Bill
Public Lands Bills in Subcommittee
Upcoming Hearing on Northwest Forest Plan

9 October, 2001

D.C. Update
House & Senate Conferees to Consider Interior Appropriations
United Nations Reports Net Loss in World’s Forests
House Passes Farm Bill
Old-Growth Hearing Shows Scientific Disagreement
Land Bills Pass With Few Changes

1 October, 2001

D.C. Update
Old-Growth Subject of Subcommittee Hearing
Farm Bill Scheduled for Floor Debate and Vote
House to Consider Historic Site Designations
Alternative Energy Sources on Public Lands
House Committee to Consider Land Bills
Subcommittee to Discuss Land Designations
Veneman Launches New Report, Speaks on Farm Bill Funding
SAF Responds to EPA's Guidance Measures for Forestry          
Senate Approves Rey for Agriculture Undersecretary
Senate Panel Discusses National Fire Plan Progress
House Subcommittee Passes Two Land Designation Bills
Panel Reviews Forest Service Fee Program

24 September, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Panel to Review National Fire Plan
Agriculture Committee to Hear from Secretary Veneman
Forest Service Recreation Fee Review
Panel to Consider Old-Growth Protection
House to Look at Alternative Energy Sources on Public Lands

30 July, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Expected to Consider Supplemental Bill
Farm Bill Progresses in Senate Committee
Senate Panel to Markup Idaho Monument Modification Bill
The Senate subcommittee will also markup bills
National Fire Plan Study Reveals Flaws
National Park Bills Go Before House Panel
House Committee Passes Farm Bill with Forestry Funding
Rey Goes Before Senate Committee for Confirmation
House Committee Adopts CARA
Senate Passes the Tropical Forest Conservation Act
Only Locally-Supported Wilderness Bills Will Pass

23 July, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate May Act on Agriculture Spending Bill
Senate Agriculture Committee to Hold Farm Bill Hearing
Rey Confirmation
House to Consider Wilderness and Watershed Bills
Upcoming Farm Bill Markup
Wilderness Bills for Colorado and Utah
SAF Testifies on Forestry Provisions of the Farm Bill
Conferees to Settle Funding Differences
Hearing on Fire Threats to Humans

16 July, 2001

D.C. Update
Agriculture Appropriations Bill to Move Through House Committee
House Panel to Consider Amending Antiquities Act
Farm Bill Draft to be Reviewed by Panel
Roadless Rule Will Not Be Appealed
House Passes Debt for Nature Legislation
House Passes Agriculture Spending Bill
House Agriculture Committee Takes Next Step on Farm Bill
Senate Passes Interior Appropriations Bill
Alaska Fire Fuels Debate on Prescribed Burning
Hearing on Fire Threats to Humans

9 July, 2001

D.C. Update
Interior appropriations bill
Agriculture appropriations bill
Forest Service Proceeds with the Roadless Rule (new comment period)
Recess the week of July 2nd
Senate Interior Appropriations Bill is Less Than House’s Version
Farm Bill: Testimony and Action Alert
Agriculture Spending Bill Stalls on House Floor

25 June, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Committee to Focus on Conservation in the Farm Bill   
Confirmation Hearing on Energy and Parks Nominations
House Expected to Take Up Agriculture Appropriations
Federal Agencies to Testify on Farm Bill
Committee to Vote on Various Bills
Report Concludes that TMDL Program Needs Science 
Administration Nominates Rey for USDA Position
House Passes $18.9 Billion Interior Appropriations Bill 
House Passes FY 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Bill
National Historic Forest Act Meant to Create Dialogue
CARA Debated in House Hearing 
Subcommittee Clears Management Bills
Tropical Forest Protection Bill Passes in House Committee

18 June, 2001

D.C. Update
Senate Committee to Vote on Interior Nominations
House May Vote on Agriculture Appropriations Bill
House Panel to Markup National Historic Forests Act (HR 2119)
Tropical Forests Law Up for Renewal
House Committee to Examine Land and Conservation Bills
Forest Service Working on Planning Rule
SAF’s Vice-President Testifies on Forestry Components of the Farm Bill  
House Passes Salmon Bill
Agriculture and Interior Appropriations Bills Pass House Committee 
House Committee to Consider Forestry Component of Farm Bill

11 June, 2001

D.C. Update
Forestry to get Agriculture Committee Hearing
House Appropriations Committee to Look at Agriculture and Interior Spending
Subcommittee to Review Land and Monument Bills
Chief Bosworth Urges Consideration of Roadless Protection
Forest Service Delays Road Analysis
Interior Appropriations Bill Increases Funding
House Subcommittee Markup of Agriculture Appropriations Bill
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on Agriculture Conservation
Department of Interior Nominations

4 June, 2001

D.C. Update
Democrats to Control Senate
Bush Environment Nominees Await Senate Vote
House Subcommittee Tentatively Plans Interior Appropriations Markup
Agriculture Appropriations Bill Before House Subcommittee
House Panel Reviews Farm Bill Conservation Programs
Public Comment Period Reopened for Natural Resource Policies
Bush Names First Female National Park Service Director
New Report on Block Granting Forest Service Programs Available
NRCS Reports Available

21 May, 2001

D.C. Update
Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Sequestration
CEQ Nominee
Resources Joint Hearing to Look at Water Policy
Agriculture Committee to look at Farm Conservation Programs
Resources Committee to Examine Public Access
Roadless Rule Still on Chopping Block
Canadian Lumber Investigation Continues

14 May, 2001

D.C. Updates
Review of Land Transfer and Trail Bills
Oversight Hearing on Views and Visions of the New Forest Service Chief
Conservation Legislation Review
Judge Halts Roadless Rule Implementation
Forest Service Postpones the Planning Regulation Deadline
House Passes Bill Allowing Funds Transfer to NMFS and FWS
Bosworth Testifies on Forest Service Budget
Appropriations Committee hearing schedules

7 May, 2001

D.C. Updates
Forest Service Budget Hearing
Interior Secretary Norton to Testify before Energy Committee
Department of Agriculture Nominations
Endanger Species Act Hearing
House May Vote to Transfer Funds from Forest Service, BLM for ESA Consultation
Conference Report on the Budget Resolution for FY 2002
Bosworth Testifies on Forest Service Budget
Hunting Reinstated in Idaho National Monument
Pro-roadless Rule Press Conference
Administration Announces Roadless Rule Plan
Appropriations Hearing Schedules

30 April, 2001

D.C. Updates
Forest Service Budget Review
HR 601 to Permit Hunting in a National Monument in Idaho
House and Senate Panels Discuss USDA Funding with Veneman
USDA Budget Officer Testify Before House Appropriations Subcommittee
Secretary Norton and Chief Bosworth Testified at Appropriations Hearings
Roadless Rule’s Impact on Energy Development
USDA Taking Action on Planning Regulations
SAF Sends Message to USDA on Roadless Policy   
Budget Reviews
Appropriations Hearings Schedules

23 April, 2001

D.C. Update
Agriculture Nominations Hearing Postponed
Interior Secretary Norton to Testify at Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing
Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Hearing
Roadless Rule Oversight Hearing
Secretary Norton and Chief Bosworth to Testify at Appropriations Hearings
Agriculture and Related Agencies Appropriations Hearing
Hearings in Resources Committee
Hearing on National Parks Bills
Appropriations Committee hearing schedules

9 April, 2001

D.C. Update
Joint Hearing on Energy and the Roadless Rule
House Subcommittee Considers Forest Fuels Markets
Bush Delivers Detailed Budget
Bush to Nominate Asst. Attorney General for Environmental Division
Appropriations Committee hearing schedules

21 March, 2001

D.C. Update
Appropriators to Hold Joint Hearing on Fire Plan
Senate Energy to Review Leftover Bills
House Budget Committee Considers 2002 USDA Budget
Griles Named Deputy Secretary of Interior
Oversight hearing on the National Fire Plan Implementation
House Appropriations

5 March, 2001

D.C. Update
House Resources Panel to Hear on Fire Plan
Resources Committee to Examine Public Lands Energy Policy
House Interior Funding Panel schedules oversight on park science
The Farm Bill

26 February, 2001

D.C. Update
No Senate floor action expected
Canadian Lumber Agreement Update
Farm Bill Conservation Programs to be Examined
No House floor action expected
TMDLs Back on the Congressional Docket
Commodity program discussion
The Bush Budget
New Hire for Secretary Norton, Others Still on Hold

12 February, 2001

D.C. Update
General Observations
Appropriations Hearings Set for Interior Subcommittee
House Agriculture Committee to Continue Work on Farm Bill
Rahall to Serve as Ranking Member on House Resources

5 February, 2001

D.C. Update
Still Making Committee Assignments
Interior Appropriation Panel
The Farm Bill
Roadless Area Rule Delayed
International Trade-Canada

15 January, 2001

D.C. Update
In The House
Committee Assignments
In the Senate
Presidential Inaugural
Cabinet Nomination Hearings
New House & Senate Members

4 December, 2000

D.C. Update
Elections
Congressional Appropriations
Congressional Tax Action?
SAF News

12 November, 2000

D.C. Update
ELECTIONS Same old, same old.
IN CONGRESS
Spending bills still pending
No action on tax-cut bill
IN THE ADMINISTRATION
USFS actions ( planning, fire strategy, roadless area)

29 October, 2000

D.C. Update
Three last appropriation bills
Florida Everglades clean up bill
Senate cleared a long list of lands bills (none for Michigan)
Clinton signed the ag appropriations bill

22 October, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations, Fourth stop-gap spending bill
Land and Water
Parks and Public Lands
Wilderness
Taxes
Appropriations & other bills
Agriculture Spending Bill Passes
Energy and Water Spending Bill Passes
Congress passed HR 4635
Cancellation of Timber Sale Contracts and the Liability of the Forest Service
USFS "Cohesive Fire Strategy" released

15 October, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations-EPA
Water Resources-billions for Everglades
Agriculture Appropriations-FDA
Bills ready for the Senate floor-not much for Michigan
Federal government’s liability when timber sales are canceled
Continuing Resolutions-3rd Stopgap Bill
County Payments
USFS, NPS, FWS funded
     More money for USFS State & Private Forestry
     More money for USFS Forest Inventory

8 October, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations
County Payments
Agriculture Appropriations
Bills ready for the Senate floor
Clinton Vetoes Energy and Water Appropriation
Interior & USFS Bills Finished, Awaiting Clinton’s Signature

1 October, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations
Riders Out, Riders In
Fate of CARA
Bills ready for the Senate Floor (not much in Michigan)
Newly approved bills (not much in Michigan)
The Forest Service and Small Business
Agriculture Panel to Investigate Wildfire
Wildland Firefighters’ Pay: Are There Inequities?
Financial Management Accountability at USDA

24 September, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations
1997 Kyoto climate treaty
Lots of action in many committees
Everglades restoration
Property rights
Heritage areas
Hunt cormorants
CARA bill
The Future of the Forest Service

17 September, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations
Montana fires
Land sovereignty
Energy Committee markup
U.S. Forest Service effectiveness
Consider Virginia Wilderness
House Resources Committee Actions
County Payments Bill Passes Senate
House Resources Committee passes bills
Report on Lessons Learned from Private Land Conservation Efforts
Report on Field Hearing on Wildfires

10 September, 2000

D.C. Updates
USFS County Payments Bill
Lots of Wildfire Activities
Lands Bills in Subcommittee
Energy to Tackle Non-controversial Measures
A slate of agenda items, some affect Michigan
Private Land Conservation: lessons for the national forests?
House passes $22.47 billion energy and water appropriations bill
Cynthia Stiffler Leaves SAF Policy Department Post

4 September, 2000

D.C. Updates
Congress is back from an August recess.
Rural Schools Act (USFS payments to counties)
Michael McCabe appointed to EPA
SAF letter to Clinton about fires
7 bills passed, none directly affecting Michigan
A number of meetings & hearings scheduled

30 July, 2000

D.C. Updates
Forest Service Access Policies
Fire and Hazardous Fuel in National Forests Field Hearing
Timber Sales
Forest Service Roadless Policy
CARA Markup
Cerro Grande Fire in Los Alamos and Fire Policies in General
Senate Bills Passed
House Actions
SAF Policy Analyst Vacancy

24 July, 2000

D.C. Updates
More protected lands
Consolidation of public and private holdings in Northeastern Oregon
CARA Bill Marathon Markup
GAO Fire Report
Forest Service Roadless Area Hearing
Future of the Forest Service Timber Sale Program
Timber Sale Contract Liability
TMDL Process
30 Bill Markup
Senate passed the fiscal 2001 Agriculture appropriations
Senate passed the fiscal 2001 Interior appropriations
House Resources - Field Hearings
SAF Policy Analyst Vacancy

16 July, 2000

D.C. Updates
Appropriations
Land Trades & Little Sandy
Roadless Actions
GAO Report on the Los Alamos Fire
Wilderness Bills
TMDLs
Vacancy in the SAF Policy Department

9 July, 2000

D.C. Updates
Interior Appropriations
Maybe County Cost-Share Payment Debate
Department of Agriculture Funding for Fiscal 2001
National Wildlife Refuge System Centennial Act (HR 4442)
Baca Ranch Purchase
Look at Roadless Initiative
Markup Non-Controversial Bills
Scrutinize EPA’s Science (TMDLs)
Private Conservation and Their Applications for National Forests.
Markup the Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA).
Oversight hearing on the Cerro Grande fire in New Mexico.
Hearing on the Endangered Species Act.
Hearing on timber sale cancellations and federal government liability.
SAF Job Vacancy

25 June, 2000

D.C. Updates
2001 Funding for the Department of Interior
House Agriculture:  SAF and GAO to Discuss Recent Reports on EPA’s TMDL Rule
House Resources:  Forest Service Performance Measure to be Discussed
Senate Energy: ICBEMP and Sierra Nevada Plans to be Examined
Senate Energy:  CARA Gets Complicated
Boundary Waters Blowdowns
USFS Roadless Area DEIS
Cerro Grande Fire in New Mexico
Timber Sale Cancellations & Federal Liability

18 June, 2000

D.C. Updates

USFS 25% fund bill changes
USDA Funding Bill Delayed by Sales-to-Cuba Clause
VA-HUD Bill Stymied by Threat of Clinton Veto (i.e. EPA TMDL clause)
TMDLs
ESA and Property Rights
Forest Service Initiatives
Cabin Fees, Carbon Storage, Watershed Dams
Conservation and Reinvestment Act (CARA)
Sierra Nevada
Controversial House Interior Appropriations Bill Passed

12 June, 2000

D.C. Updates
USFS Apologetic for Language in Roadless Area Draft EIS
EPA Backing off TMDL Rules
More Appropriations (including TMDL regs.)
House Resources
Senate Energy and Natural Resources
The House Passed Three Land Conservation Bills
Fire Hearing

4 June, 2000

D.C. Update
Appropriations Actions (inactions)
School & Community Funding from Natural Resource Receipts
Bills About Various Interior Holdings
Prescribed Fire
Backcountry Airstrips
Forest Bills
Parks Concessions
Markups

22 May, 2000

D.C. Update
Appropriations
Calendar
Alaska Lands
Resources
Land Conservation
Forest Service's Transportation Policy
Water Pollution Enhancements Act of 2000

15 May, 2000

Comment on the latest Roadless Area Initiative draft EIS.
Public meetings in Michigan will be held in June.

14 May, 2000

D.C. Updates
Department of Agriculture Funding
County Payments
More set-asides proposed
Interior Bill on Its Way
Hearing on TMDL Bill Planned
Examine Forest Service Road Proposal
Glickman proposes USFS road construction ban
Major Conservation Bill Passes House
Oversight Hearing on Forest Service Stewardship
Oversight Hearing on National Forest Planning Regulations

9 May, 2000

D.C. Updates
Bills Ready for Action
Stabilizing County Payments
Conservation Funding (CARA)
Water Quality
USDA Appropriations
Energy
Natural Resources-several actions
Oversight Hearing on Successful State Environmental Programs

24 April, 2000

D.C. Updates
County Payments
Environmental Education
Fisheries
Public Lands
Rivers
Sequoia National Monument
Integration of Eco-Region Assessments

16 April, 2000

There was no D.C. Update this week.

9 April, 2000

D.C. Updates
Land grants from USFS?
More Clinton set-asides?
GAO suggests USFS planning process changes
Canada lynx links (pun?)
Recreation & regulation on national forests

2 April, 2000

D.C. Updates
Possible lids on FWS spending
Public comments for USDI appropriation
USFS recreation looked at
USFS 25% county funding under review
Review of USFS strategic plan
Proposed TMDL regulations
Hearing on USFS research budget
Ban of logging roads discussed

26 March, 2000

D.C. Updates
USFS Research Program under review
ESA amendments discussed
USFS roadless initiative challenged
USFS FY-2001 budget discussed

22 March SAF Leadership Update

Student Diversity Scholarships for National Convention
SAF Journal looking for themes for 2001
Two new SAF brochures
    "What profession affects every aspect of your life, every day?"
    "It’s almost like having 17,000 new foresters on your staff"

19 March, 2000

D.C. Updates
BLM director job open
USFS appropriations
TMDL discussion still going
FWS budget
Wilderness legislation timetable
House passes Property Rights Act
Stupak comments on USFS Roadless Area Initiative

15 March, 2000 Media Relations Program News

In addition, we have television psa’s featuring Lee Horsley, Hollywood actor and our Centennial spokesperson. If you are interested in reviewing the television psa's, we will loan you a VHS copy. To request your loaner copy, contact CJ Hall at (301) 897-8720, ext. 155 or e-mail: hallcj@safnet.org.

12 March, 2000

D.C. Updates
Property rights bill
USFS roads, budget
EPA budget
TMDLs
Endangered Species Act

5 March, 2000

D.C. Updates
New USFS road policy proposal
USFS 2001 budget request
USFS planning regulation testimony
Property right bill markup
More

20 February, 2000

D.C. Updates
USFS issues, TMDLs
House:  out of session, Appropriations, Resources
Senate:  Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources

14 February, 2000

D.C. Updates
USFS issues, TMDLs, Property Rights
House: Appropriations, Resources, Transporation
Senate:  Agriculture, Energy & Natural Resources

7 February, 2000 Media Relations Program News

USING THE SAF CENTENNIAL VIDEO

The national office has begun receiving reports from volunteers who are showing our Centennial video in schools in the intermountain region. SAF member John Shaw of Utah asked fourth-graders questions related to the video and showed them his cruising vest with compass and clinometer. SAF member Brad Exton gave a demonstration of equipment used by field-going foresters and handed out forestry information to fifth-graders at the Discovery School in Vernal, Utah. The students asked more questions than Brad had time to answer!

ROCKWELL IS IN ON THE RADIO!

Member Bill Rockwell was a guest on the December 16, 1999 "Jimmy Barrett Show" aired on Detroit’s WXYT-AM 1270 Talk Radio. Bill discussed a Minnesota lawsuit where loggers are claiming that environmentalists are using religion to stop timber sales.

7 February Leadership Update

DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE AND EDUCATION SELECTED Click HERE
FORESTERS FUND DEADLINE  Click HERE
MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FUND DEADLINE  Click HERE
CALL FOR SAF NATIONAL AWARDS  Click HERE
CENTENNIAL TRIVIA:  PLAY AND WIN  Click HERE

1 February, 2000

NATIONAL SAF EMERGENCY POSITION STATEMENT ON THE FOREST SERVICE PROPOSED PLANNING REGULATIONS
Click HERE to see the muli-page document.

21 January, 2000

MICHIGAN SAF SUBMITS COMMENTS ON TMDL TO EPA
Click HERE to see comments by Bernie Hubbard.

21 January, 2000

NATIONAL SAF SUMBITS COMMENTS ON TMDL TO EPA
Click HERE to see comments by Amie Brown.

SAF WINS A FIFTH VIDEO AWARD
Click HERE for more information.

3 November, 1999

CHANGES TO THE FEDERAL PLANNING PROCESS RULES
http://www.fs.fed.us/forum/nepa/rule/

5 October, 1999

PRESIDENT CLINTON ANNOUNCES ROADLESS PLAN

23 July, 1999
1999 Membership Purge Update
Forest Policy Department Update
Centennial Video - A Great Outreach Tool

27 April, 1999
Media Tips Now Posted on the SAF Website
Habitat for Humanity Update - Affiliate Listing Now Available
Contact CJ Hall, Centennial Assistant, at (301) 897-8720, ext. 155 or e-mail hallcj@safnet.org
Take Advantage of the SAF Communication Tools Available

15 March, 1999
Centennial Logo Now Available
Contact Jennifer Plyler, Communications Manager, (301) 897-8720, ext. 117;
Fax (301) 897-3690; or e-mail plylerj@safnet.org

Director of Science and Education Selected (7 February, 2000)
By Bill Banzhaf, Executive Vice-President,
(301) 897-8720, ext. 120; fax (301) 897-3690, or e-mail: banzhafb@safnet.org

We are very fortunate to have Michelle lead the national office science and education program. Her entrepreneurial approach and enthusiasm for SAF and its members makes her a very strong part of the national office team. I know you will all be as pleased as I am that someone of Michelle's caliber will continue to build on the fine work of her predecessor.

Foresters Fund Deadline (7 February, 2000)
The next deadline for submitting a grant request for the 2000 Foresters' Fund is Tuesday, February 15th. Grant applications and criteria can be found on SAF website at http://www.safnet.org/members/forfund.htm Please note that all SAF Foresters' Fund projects in 2000 must demonstrate a connection to the SAF Centennial Celebration. A Foresters’ Fund grant is a great way to get the most out of your Centennial Communications packet (see the February issue of The Forestry Source, page 3, for more details on the packet). You could use a grant to buy airtime for TV psas or space in your local newspaper for the Centennial ad featuring Lee Horsley, SAF’s Centennial spokesperson. Take advantage of this once in a lifetime event and send in your Foresters’ Fund grant application before the February 15, 2000 deadline. If you don’t make this deadline, be sure to submit your grant application before the June 15, 2000 deadline.  JContact Louise Murgia, State Society Support Manager, (301) 897-8720 ext. 118; fax (301) 897-3690; or e-mail: murgial@safnet.org

Changes to the Federal Planning Process Rules
3 November, 1999
As many of you know, the USDA Forest Service has proposed changes in the National Forest Management Act planning process. There exists opportunity for public comment. If you're interested, visit the following website for information and the opportunity to submit comments. In particular, click on the "news release" for a summary of the proposal AND consider providing your comments by clicking on "Comment on the Proposed Rule." Many Lake States National Forests will be initiating the next round of planning within the next few years, including the Michigan national forests.

President Clinton Announces Roadless Plan
5 October, 1999
By Michael Goergen, Director, Forest Policy, (301) 897-8720, ext. 116;
fax: (301) 897-3690; or e-mail: goergenm@safnet.org

On October 13, President Clinton issued an executive order directing the USDA Forest Service to "develop, and propose for public comment, regulations to provide appropriate long-term protection for most or all of the currently inventoried 'roadless' areas, and to determine whether such protection is warranted for any smaller 'roadless' areas not yet inventoried" (Memorandum for the Secretary of Agriculture, 10/13). In a press release issued by SAF, Bill Banzhaf, Executive Vice-President, stated that "This unilaterial decision to prohibit road building on 40 million acres of national forest has the potential to negate years of forest planning done with significant citizen input. The President's decision is contrary to this Administration's emphasis on locally-based collaborative decisions." The comment period will last for 60 days from the formal notice of intent, which should be issued on October 21, 1999. SAF will prepare comments on the proposal and share them with leadership and members, and encourage members to submit responses. See the SAF website at www.safnet.org for more information in Clinton's plan.

1999 Membership Purge Update
SAF Leadership Update, July 23, 1999
By Lori Gardner, Director, Communications and Member Services
(301) 897-8720, ext. 110; Fax (301) 897-3690; or e-mail:gardnerl@safnet.org

On June 30, 2,036 SAF members who did not pay dues for 1999 were removed from SAF's active membership file. This compares to a purge of 1,787 members in 1998--a difference of 249 members and a net loss of 632 members compared to the total number of SAF members this same time last year.

The largest drops were in the student and technician member categories. The percentage of members purged from these categories range from 21 to 28%. The purge of professional member students increased from 18% in 1998 to 21% this year. The percent of professional members who were purged was 10%, which is comparable to previous years.

The percentage of retired members who were purged was 3.8% (including retired Fellows), a 2.2% increase from last year. However, this is significantly lower than most other categories and what we expected given the increase in dues for this member category.

Nineteen percent of the members who were purged had been SAF members for 1-9 years. Last year this group represented 14% of the purge. Members who have been with SAF for 1-9 years make up 46% of the total membership, yet they represent 78% of the total membership purge.

There was an increase this year in the percentage of female members purged compared to last year. This year 18% of the female members were purged for nonpayment of dues, compared to 15% during the last two years. While women make up 11.61% of SAF's membership, they made up 19% of the 1999 purge.

According to information obtained in the recent phonathon, the most frequently reported reasons for not renewing are "no longer in forestry" (22%) and "dues too high" (13%).

A final invoice has been sent to 1999 nonpaid members who were not contacted during the phonathon. The mailing will include a survey to determine their reasons for nonrenewal. A roster of purged members will be sent to chapter, division, and state society membership chairs.

Forest Policy Department Update
SAF Leadership Update, July 23, 1999
By Michael Goergen, Director, Forest Policy
(301) 897-8720 ext. 116; fax (301) 897-3690; or e-mail: goergenm@safnet.org
and Amie Brown, Policy Analyst,
(301) 897-8720, ext. 115; fax (301) 897-3690; or e-mail: browna@safnet.org

Certification Task Force Report Approved by Council

At its June meeting the SAF Council endorsed the Task Force Report on Forest Management Certification Systems. The report provides comprehensive information on a variety of programs that assess sustainable forest management. It goes on to offer several recommendations for SAF's role in such systems. The report is designed to provide members with more information on these programs. It will be available, free of charge, on the SAF website at www.safnet.org by August 1. For those without internet access, the report will be available for a nominal charge to cover photocopying and shipping costs. Please contact Cynthia Stiffler for hard copies at (301) 897-8720, ext. 114 or e-mail: stifflec@safnet.org.

FY 2000 Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill Update

Last week the House of Representatives passed its version of the Interior appropriations bill (H.R. 2644), which funds the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The bill includes a $5 million increase for the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program, which was one of SAF's top priorities this year. In addition to securing the large increase for FIA, SAF worked with other organizations to defeat anti-timber amendments, and an amendment that would have reduced the Forest Service research budget by $17 million.

The Senate is expected to soon consider S. 1292, their version of the Interior bill. The Senate appropriations bill also includes a significant increase for FIA and SAF is working on securing an amendment to the Senate bill that will ensure the scientific integrity of the FIA program. We will provide more details on that issue as they materialize.

See the SAF website at http://www.safnet.org/archive/tableint799.htm for a table break down of both the House and Senate appropriations bills.

Tax Relief

A provision has been secured in the $863.9 billion House of Representatives tax-cut bill (from the Ways and Means Committee) that would increase the amount of reforestation expenditures an individual or company can write off annually from $10,000 to $25,000. This represents a major victory for SAF and others who continue to advocate for changes in the tax code that encourage sound forest management. In addition to this specific provision, the bill phases out the federal estate tax over ten years, which is an issue SAF has been working on for some time. The bill has a long way to go before it becomes law, and many pundits predict it is designed as a platform for the 2000 elections.

Forest Sustainability Project

A review team made up of SAF leaders has awarded a $5,000 grant to Don Floyd, Sarah Vonhof, and Heather Seyfang to develop the project on forest sustainability as outlined on the front page of the June issue of The Forestry Source. The project will give SAF members:

an understanding of forest sustainability as a concept,
a comprehensive list of what other organizations are saying about forest sustainability,
concrete examples of forests being managed for sustainability from different regions throughout the country, and
a series of questions designed for SAF members to explore sustainable forestry at a local level.

The choice was a very difficult one for the review team -- which consisted of the SAF officers and the Chairs of HSD, the FS&TB, and the Committee on Forest Policy-- as there were many excellent proposals. We thank everyone who worked on this effort, and look forward to the finished product.

Senator Craig (R-ID) Introduces a New Version of Forest Reform Bill

Senator Craig has introduced the latest version of the Public Lands Planning and Management Improvement Act, Senate bill S. 1320. This public lands bill is designed to fundamentally restructure and modernize laws governing the stewardship and forest planning processes of the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Bill S. 1320 reflects many of the recommendations put forth in SAF's report, Forest of Discord: Options for Governing our National Forests and Public Lands. At a press conference held by Senator Craig on July 1, 1999, SAF's contributions were recognized and highly praised. It is likely that SAF will again be invited to testify on this in the fall.

Centennial Video - A Great Outreach Tool
SAF Leadership Update, July 23, 1999
By C.J. Hall, Centennial Assistant, (301) 897-8720, ext. 155;
Fax (301) 897-3690; or e-mail: hallcj@safnet.org

SAF's Centennial video "Foresters: Growing Forests for Our Future" can serve as a valuable information, recruitment, and communications tool via distribution to educational facilities, community clubs, extension offices, conservation organizations, natural resource agencies, and local policymakers, as well as to the private sector and professional associations. The outreach possibilities for SAF members are limitless! One idea is to promote the video to your local PBS stations. For a listing of stations, look on the web at http://www.pbs.org/stations/.

Read on for an inspirational story from Eric Norland, Chair of the Ohio SAF, on how his unit plans to use the SAF Centennial video to carry the forestry message.

Eric showed the 14-minute video, "Foresters: Growing Forests for Our Future" at the unit's summer meeting, and expressed disappointment in Ohio's to-date lack of commitment to Centennial activities. He then offered this idea:

"In celebration of the Centennial, I think we should commit to showing this video to 100 groups by the end of 2000. There's no reason why we shouldn't be able to do this."

The motion was approved with this amendment: "To show the video to 100 groups AND/OR 2000 people by the end of 2000." What an appropriate Centennial project!

The Ohio SAF is purchasing a video for the Ohio State Department of Education, and will include a list of SAF members willing to show the video and lead discussions. The meeting attendees had numerous ideas for other venues. One Ohio SAF member is donating $200 to purchase eight more videos to be used for communication purposes throughout Ohio!

We encourage you to use the Centennial video - the "Ultimate Power Tool" - to celebrate and promote the Centennial throughout your unit. Ohio, congratulations on your initiative!

(Have a Centennial video success story? Contact CJ Hall at (301) 897-8720, x155 or email hallcj@safnet.org.)

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Please direct questions, comments, and suggestions to Bill Cook, cookwi@pilot.msu.edu or 906-786-1575.
Editorial issues can be addressed to Eric Thompson.