ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

 

HR 2003: forests; proper management

Sponsor:  Representative Griffin, LD 14

Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Overview

Declares that the Arizona House of Representatives places the highest importance on the issue of forest management and expresses their support of landscape-scale planning, forest thinning projects and the acceleration of consensus-supported and scientifically informed forest restoration treatments in Arizona and the nation.

History

The National Forest System in Arizona primarily consists of six national forests that total almost 11.2 million acres (or 15% of lands) within the state. The U.S. Forest Service manages these lands for a variety of purposes, including outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, wildlife and fish (16 U.S.C. § 528). To that end, this agency must engage in long-term land use and resource management plans that provide a framework for land management, uses and protection. These plans are developed with public participation (16 U.S.C. § 1604).

Although national forests are federal lands, state government does have a role in forest management, particularly in taking measures to reduce the likelihood and impact of wildfires. The State Forester can enter into cooperative agreements with other state and federal agencies, departments and political subdivisions and any person to prevent and suppress wildfires (A.R.S. § 37-1303). Additionally, the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management engages in land management and efforts to prevent and suppress wildland fires on state trust lands and private property located outside of cities and towns (A.R.S. § 37-1301).

Provisions

1.    ☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal NoteStates that the members of the Arizona House of Representatives place the highest importance on the issue of forest management and express their support of landscape-scale planning, forest thinning projects and the acceleration of consensus-supported and scientifically informed forest restoration treatments across this state and nation.

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5.                      HR 2003

6.    Initials PB/AG       Page 0 Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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