Why It Matters: After a month-long recess, California is back in session for August before adjourning on August 31. With only a few weeks remaining in the legislative session, lawmakers will make final decisions on several bills that could significantly impact California’s sportsmen and women. From firearm regulations to hunter safety and forest management, these […]
Why It Matters: Wildfires across North America cause tremendous, localized devastation that impacts both human populations and natural ecosystems relied on by sportsmen and women. Elsewhere, the smoke resulting from largescale wildfires represents a severe threat throughout much of the country due to air quality impacts such as that are currently affecting the Eastern United […]
Why It Matters: Educating federal policymakers about the challenges impacting private working forests and federal forests is key to advancing policy solutions to support healthy forests and wildlife habitat. The forest industry and the sportsmen’s community share goals for forest resiliency and conservation. Highlighting these shared priorities at a briefing helps move the needle on policies to improve the management of federal […]
Why It Matters: Prescribed burning enhances wildlife habitat, reduces wildfire risk, and improves forest health. Reducing regulatory and legislative barriers that restrict the use of prescribed fire will promote more controlled burning to support a wide range of wildlife species, including both nongame species and game species important to sportsmen and women. Highlights: On May 6, Governors Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Governor Brian Kemp (Georgia) signed House Bill 983 into law, prohibiting counties and municipalities […]
Why It Matters: Improving the tax treatment of forest landowners following natural disasters is important for supporting the long-term viability of private working forests, which provide fish and wildlife habitat and places for sportsmen and women to hunt and fish. After a hurricane or other natural disaster, reforestation costs for landowners are significant. Providing tax relief for reforestation costs supports […]
Why It Matters: Legislation restricting forest management on State Demonstration Forests undermines the State Demonstration Forest System’s primary purpose, which is to educate the public about the benefits of multiple-use land management, including active forest management. They are called “State Demonstration Forests,” not “State Observation Forests,” for a reason. Dispelling misconceptions about forest management through education is essential for maintaining public support for […]