THOMPSON PRAISED FOR SPONSORING LEGISLATION TO PROTECT AMERICA'S FORESTS

STONEVILLE, MS - For the first time in the history of America, the U.S. Congress is taking aggressive measures to address the health of our Nation's forests - from East to South to West and from public to private.

According to James L. Cummins, Executive Director of Wildlife Mississippi, "Congressman Bennie Thompson (D-MS) recognizes that forest health doesn't end with fire prevention. He understands the forest health problems and needs facing our entire Nation, not just the West. He and a bipartisan list of over 100 co-sponsors recently introduced the Healthy Forest Restoration Act in the U.S. House of Representatives."

The Healthy Forest Restoration Act is a comprehensive attempt to improve forests health for both public and private lands. The bill would empower federal land managers with the tools to implement scientifically supported management practices on federal forests, while establishing new conservation programs focused on improving water quality and regenerating declining forest ecosystem types on private lands.

One component of the bill is titled the Healthy Forests Reserve Program. It is a private forestland conservation initiative that will facilitate the voluntary protection and restoration of one-million acres of otherwise imperiled forest ecosystems. Another component authorizes funding for the U.S. Forest Service, Mississippi State University and Alcorn State University to plan, conduct and promote early detection programs for insect and disease infestations, including southern pine beetles and oak pests.

"Congressman Thompson is to be commended for his leadership to improve our Nation's forests. He is truly a leader in forest conservation. He is a strong supporter of the Wetland Reserve Program and Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program. More recently, his leadership resulted in the development of a special sign-up in the Conservation Reserve Program that will provide $500 million to restore bottomland hardwoods. This continuous sign up for hardwoods will greatly improve water quality, restore wildlife habitat for countless species and sequester over 200 million tons of carbon from our atmosphere."

"If we look at the treatment of our forests like we treat our bodies our Nation's quality of life - for animals and humans - will be much better. If everybody was as dedicated to providing a comprehensive health care package for all of our Nation's forests as Congressman Thompson, our forests would be much better off," concluded Cummins. "This country should be thankful to have the benefit of the fine service of Congressman Thompson."