U.S. House Votes To Reauthorize National Forest Foundation

Pennsylvania Congressman Glenn Thompson’s legislation-- H.R. 2394-- the National Forest Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2015, passed the U.S. House of Representatives Tuesday by voice vote.  

This bipartisan bill will reauthorize the National Forest Foundation Act so the Foundation will have the resources it needs to protect and restore our 193-million-acre national forest system, including Pennsylvania’s Allegheny National Forest.

“The National Forest Foundation, the USDA’s official nonprofit partner, seeks to bring local communities together to restore and enhance our national forests and grasslands,” said Congressman Thompson.  “Through leveraging public and private funds, the Foundation protects and keeps our national forests, like the Allegheny, thriving and viable for generations to come,” added Thompson, Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry.

“Friends of Allegheny Wilderness applauds Congressman Thompson for his support for the National Forest Foundation, and the National Forest Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2015. The NFF has performed important work over the years in helping to protect wilderness and engage in ecological restoration work in America’s national forests. Congressman Thompson deserves all of our thanks for his support for this good organization,” said Kirk Johnson, executive director for the Warren-based non-profit organization Friends of Allegheny Wilderness.

Since it was created in 1993, the Foundation has been essential in helping to address the challenges the National Forest System faces.  Accomplishments include:

— Over 14 thousand miles of trail restored or maintained;

— Nearly 4.4 million trees and shrubs planted;

— More than 500,000 acres of fuel reduction completed or planned;

— Over 120 thousand people volunteered more than 1.5 million hours with an estimated value of $34 million;

— Over 46 thousand youth employed or engaged;

— Approximately 80 thousand acres of invasive weeds treated;

— Over 117 thousand acres of wildlife habitat restored or maintained; and,

— More than three thousand miles of streams surveyed or restored.

Shortly before the vote, Congressman Thompson spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives urging his colleagues to support the reauthorization.