PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Distribution September 1, 2012

Contact: Lindsey Nitta Phone: 916-316-6802

Forestry Reform Passes with Support from Many

Broad coalition able to tackle key reform bill with help from both sides of the aisle

(Sacramento) Last nights late night legislative session ended with a big victory for a diverse coalition formed to help move forward a reform package designed to help a struggling, yet important, industry in California which many rural towns depend on. AB 1492 passed with the support from both sides of the aisle as it needed a two-third vote to make it to the Governors desk. AB 1492, the Forestry Reform Package, brings sound, balanced, reform for all forestland owners who have been struggle for decades. AB 1492 will rejuvenate the states wood products industry allowing for them to support economic development and job creation efforts in many rural communities throughout the state. The Forestry Reform Package includes three key pieces of the bill which aim to make California grown lumber more competitive with out-of-state markets and to better manage their land. 1) Wildfire liability reform to create a clear standard on how wildfire damages will be assessed, which includes the cost of environmental damages for the first time; 2) a 1 percent assessment fee that will be applied to all lumber products instead of charging all fees on California businesses and lumber products; and 3) lengthening of the Timber Harvest Plans to allow private landowners to harvest timber when it makes the most financial and environmental sense. This bill will allow our members to keep their operations open and stable, says CFA President David Bischel. The past decades, even during the housing boom, our members where closing their doors due to their inability to compete with out of state lumber products. Legislators from both sides of the aisle worked together despite their differences to remedy broken policies that are impeding job growth in California. Now, AB 1492 awaits the Governors signature to be chaptered in as a new law. We are looking forward to the Governor signing AB 1492. He understands the issues facing our industry and the important role forestland owners play in maintaining Californias rural economies and beautiful working landscape, say Bischel. CFA is extremely grateful to all the members of the coalition which came together to ensure a stable future for an important industry in California. We hope to build upon this effort to grow effective, equitable and lasting relationships with our coalition members.

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The California Forestry Association (CFA) consists of forestry professionals committed to the protection of our natural resources, environmentally sound policies, sustainable use of renewable resources and responsible forestry. CFA serves as a central voice for California's forest-resource companies and communities.