Crapo: Collaboration Brings Results

Washington, D.C.--Yesterday, in a speech on the floor of the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) highlighted successful collaborative processes underway in the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests to improve the health of the Forests.  He urged continued collaborative efforts nationwide to address often contentious natural resources challenges and enactment of bipartisan legislation to increase active management of federal forests, cut red tape, reduce frivolous litigation and advance fire risk reduction.  Senator Crapo and fellow Idaho Senator Jim Risch are co-sponsors of S. 4431, the Emergency Wildfire and Public Safety Act, introduced by Senators Steve Daines (R-Montana) and Dianne Feinstein (D-California). 

“I have been a longtime champion of collaboration to address public lands management disputes, as collaborative processes are good for the environment and good for natural resources-based economies,” said Crapo in part.  

“The work on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests is a great example of the benefits of collaborative efforts.  The Clearwater Basin Collaborative (CBC), which was officially launched twelve years ago, has had an important role in furthering discussions about the management of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. 

“A total of 536 miles of streams have been restored on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, resulting in the Forests being ranked fourth nationwide in miles of streams restored.  The Forests have a strong partnership with the Nez Perce Tribe, which contributes greatly to its watershed restoration accomplishments.  At the same time, the priorities of much needed restoration of landscapes, including water quality improvements, are also providing a supply of raw materials to local mills. 

“More work is underway to address significant challenges, but this is the direction we need to continue to go in delivering long-term results.  I commend all those involved in this effort for their hard and exemplary work improving our treasured landscapes. 

“As senators and shared stewards of these natural resources, we must continuously work to ensure federal statute and policy empowers collaborative efforts and forest health projects.” 

Video of Senator Crapo’s remarks can be found by clicking HERE or the video above.

A full copy of Senator Crapo’s prepared remarks is available HERE. 

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