I thank the Chair for the opportunity to testify on these important issues. The public policy activities of SAF are grounded in scientific knowledge and professional judgment. From this perspective we review proposed budgets for forestry and related natural resource programs to determine their adequacy to meet stated objectives and public needs. The Agriculture Research, Extension, and Education Reform Act of 1998 demonstrated how strongly Congress supports an improved FIA program. The Forest Service has developed a strategic plan for the program, a plan that we believe strongly responds to Congress' intent, and the recommendations of a blue ribbon panel designed specifically to evaluate the progress of the program and make recommendations for its improvement.
Full implementation ought to be our goal.
We are extremely concerned that the Administration does not truly support this important program. The President's budget proposal provides no new money for the FIA program. We do believe the Agency itself is committed to the program. This MOU commits the Forest Service to fully implementing the strategic plan, which would elevate the role of FIA within the Forest Service and hopefully, increase future funding requests from the Administration. The MOU also encourages states to make financial and other contributions toward fully implementing the FIA program, which is absolutely necessary to make it a success.