Today, the Subcommittee on Federal Lands held an oversight hearing focusing on ways to improve forest management on both tribal and federal forests. Subcommittee Chairman Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) released the following statement in response:

“Tribes, along with state and local governments, are critically important partners that the federal government must better utilize to help manage our forests and combat wildfires. The Federal Lands Subcommittee will continue to pursue innovative solutions that will improve coordination opportunities, enhance existing tools and authorities, and create new markets for wood products for Tribes.”

Background

Tribal forests are consistently healthier and more resilient than poorly managed, adjacent federal lands. Tribes, along with state and local leaders, are becoming increasingly important partners in cross-boundary efforts to improve federal forest health. 

Challenges persist for tribal forest land, however, including continued wildfire threats and forest health concerns, frivolous litigation and burdensome regulations, staffing shortcomings, insufficient coordination of forest management activities and the lack of needed infrastructure.

This hearing explored potential solutions to help further improve forest management on tribal forests and federal forests more broadly. Members discussed developing innovative proposals to encourage and facilitate cross-boundary coordination on forest management projects that will lead to lasting changes to improve the health of all our nation’s forests.

Members also heard from administration officials on the issues and local leaders in tribal communities for their expertise on this important topic.