Dunn/Murray Release on Conservation Bill

[1] (Washington, D.C.) Congresswoman Jennifer Dunn (R-8th District) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) today introduced companion bills in the House and Senate -- the Community Forestry and Agriculture Conservation Act -- to allow for the issuance of tax- exempt bonds for nonprofit, Section 501(c) 3 organizations, to purchase forest land.

[2] In announcing the legislation, Dunn said, "Many different people have been instrumental in the development of this initiative over the past couple of years, especially through the King County Community Forestry Bond Working Group. I am pleased that Senator Murray is joining our bipartisan effort to advance community-based solutions that will preserve our environment and enhance our quality of life in Washington State."

[3] "I am pleased to have the opportunity to work with Congresswoman Dunn on a bipartisan basis to introduce this important conservation legislation," said Murray. "Our bill will give communities a new tool to shape their future in a way that is flexible, consensus-driven and cost-effective."

[4] The plan takes advantage of markets to lower the cost of capital so that landowners have enough financial flexibility to keep forests healthy, restore salmon and steelhead runs, and keep water clean. A landowner or community group with a desire to conserve specific lands would develop an agreement detailing what land would be sold and at what price. They would also decide on a land management plan for years to come, detailing environmental protections on the property. Based on the agreement, a government entity would issue the bonds on behalf of the nonprofit organization, so the nonprofit could purchase the land for conservation.

[5] "As urban areas in the Northwest and around the country continue to grow, it is important that we act to protect working forest and farm land," said Murray.

[6] Dunn continued, "Here in the Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with wonderful natural resources, from Mt. Rainier in the Cascades, our rivers, lakes and oceans. We all want to ensure that our children and grandchildren will benefit from a safe, healthy environment. We understand the importance of sound conservation. Unfortunately, all too often the federal government imposes its bureaucratic will on communities and landowners in the name of environmental protection. We are providing a model for community- based environmental solutions -- rather than big government -- that can be used by Washingtonians and Americans across the country. The concept is simple, but its benefits will be bold."

[7] With the help of local environmental groups like the Pacific Forest Trust, and national groups like Trust for Public Land, as well as timber industry partners like U. S. Forest Capital, Port Blakely Tree Farms and Weyerhaeuser, the legislation will enable Washington communities to conserve natural resources.