The two committees oversee the federal land agencies and make recommendations to the appropriations committees. Together they've transformed the federal land management agencies into congressional whipping boys. They have been cunningly successful in planting riders in appropriation bills that tie the hands of forest supervisors. Yet the nation has much at stake here. It's up to the Forest Service to protect watersheds, which supply 55 percent of the annual water yield in the West.
Outdoor recreation has a big impact on the economy.
There's hope the House will catch up with and then responsibly respond to the dramatic change in forest management. For now, however, downsizing is a Forest Service reality. Volunteers, like Idaho's Sawtooth Society, will help preserve Idaho's forests. So will the use of modest recreation fees. Some limited business partnerships also may be useful.