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Senate adopts resolution promoting active management for Black Hills forest health
Summary
Senate Concurrent Resolution 605, encouraging active forest management and retention of the forest products industry in the Black Hills, passed after brief debate about tribal consultation and old-growth protections; sponsor said stakeholders and cooperative agencies are involved in forest management plans.
The Senate adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 605, which promotes resilient forest health in the Black Hills through active management and support for the existing forest-products industry.
Sponsor Senator Deibert said the resolution encourages the Black Hills National Forest to manage trees and stands to reduce catastrophic wildfire risk and beetle infestations, and to maintain the forest products industry that supports local communities. In response to a question from Senator Foster, Deibert said that tribal and other stakeholders are involved in management planning and that the Forest Service follows established harvest-management plans that address species and age classes. Foster asked about protections for old-growth (100-year-old) trees; Deibert said the Forest Service's harvesting plans and federal processes determine harvest locations and methods.
Senator Foster said he opposed the resolution on ideological grounds, noting divergent views about old-growth preservation; the resolution passed by roll call with 32 yeas, 2 nays and 1 excused.
