President Bush Signs
The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003
For decades, government policies have allowed large amounts of underbrush and small trees to collect at the base of our forests.
The uncontrolled growth, left by years of neglect, chokes off nutrients from trees and provides a breeding ground for insects and disease.
Chief Tom O'Keefe, of the California Department of Forestry, is among those who have seen the consequences of misguided forest policy.
He put it this way: "A lot of people have been well-intentioned. They saved trees, but they lost the forest."
-President Bush at December 3, 2003
signing ceremony for the "Healthy Forests Restoration Act"

Senate and House Finalize the Legislation
Senate-House Conference Committee reached consensus on H.R. 1904, "The Healthy Forests Restoration Act," on November 20. The next day, the Senate finalized passage of the Conference Committee's agreement.

This final version keeps the commitment to remove dangerous buildup of underbrush that promotes wildfire and insect destruction in forest communities.
(As approved by the Senate-House Conference:
Legislative Text 30 page pdf file and Statement of Managers 16 pages pdf) text-reading pdf software free version)

The Committee's Chairman at the time, Thad Cochran, had originally guided efforts to gain the Senate's October 30, 2003 bi-partisan, 80 to 14 approval that broke a major impasse, and cleared the way for Congress to finalize "The Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003."

Dec 3, 2003, President Bush signs into law the "Healthy Forests Restoration Act" Nov 20 Senate-House Agreement "Healthy Forests Restoration Act" narrative statement of managers text of bill Senate & House finalize text-reading software free version) Oct 30 previous Senate bill, 80 - 14 Committee news release July 24 Committee votes audio replay June 26 hearing with experts witnesses' opening statements Healthy Forests resources: public involvement protected today's fires and background

Preparing the legislation
The Committee's legislation is based on recommendations from a June 26, 2003 public hearing of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, originally proposed and approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 20.

The breakthrough development is with the main provision of the bill, Title I, in which a bi-partisan group of Senators agreed on an amendment prioritizing, protecting and then proceeding on reducing the hazardous buildup of disease and underbrush.

June 26, 2003 hearing with experts in forest health, fire science, public policy and environmental law.
You may choose sections of the hearing to view, rather than replay the entire 5-hour hearing which was recessed several times while Senators went to vote on legislation in the Senate Chamber.

2003's first fires of the season as described by Arizona's Senators Jon Kyl and John McCain and the worry for northern forests by Senator Larry Craig of Idaho

Forest Service and National Parks top officials outlined management concerns in opening statements and then after a recess for Senate votes, also answered a series of questions.

practical concerns expressed by forest community representatives, scientists, industry and environmental groups

balancing forest protection by process and practicality -- discussed among legal experts in judicial procedure and environmental law.