National Parks, Forests & Public Lands Subcommittee to hold field hearing in Elko

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Crystal Feldman, Spencer Pederson or Jill Strait
Friday, March 2, 2012 202-226-9019

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Monday, March 12th the Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands will hold an oversight field hearing on “Explosion of Federal Regulations Threatening Jobs and Economic Survival in the West” in Elko, Nevada. The hearing will focus on the lack of local involvement in development of the U.S. Forest Service’s travel management plans and the resultant disregard for public access and multiple-use of federal lands, and the protection of state water rights.

“The National Forest System was created to ensure that future generations would have working forests that would serve multiple objectives. Unfortunately, over time, the role of the U.S. Forest Service has shifted away from upholding this original intent. In recent years we have seen efforts to limit accessibility and multiple-use in forests and on other federal lands, as evidenced by an onslaught of rules, regulations and administrative overreach. The field hearing in Nevada will provide an opportunity to examine this issue more closely and see what impact it is having on local communities and industries. It will also provide local stakeholders with an opportunity to share their insights on these regulations and propose how they might be modified to better serve the needs of communities like Elko and others throughout the country,” said Subcommittee Chairman Rob Bishop (UT-01).

"There wouldn't be a need to hold the hearing if local elected officials in Nevada felt like they were true partners in this process. I look forward to discussing with the federal official from Ogden his views on working with community stakeholders in the Silver State. I hope that our concerns regarding Nevada water law and federal collaboration in travel management are heard, understood and advanced through this forum. And I thank Chairman Bishop for taking the time out of his very busy schedule to convene this important field hearing in my district,” said Rep. Mark Amodei (NV-02).

WHAT: Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands oversight hearing on:

“Explosion of Federal Regulations Threatening Jobs and Economic Survival in the West.”

Witnesses to be announced.

WHEN: Monday, March 12, 2012 at 1:00 P.M. PT

WHERE: Elko Convention Center, 700 Moren Way, Elko, Nevada 89801

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