This new fund draws from several existing sources and would begin fiscal year 1998 with 121 million dollars for restoration efforts. We must use all of the tools we have available to accelerate the restoration of our nation's forests - thinning, increased use of prescribed burns, mechanical treatments, and so on. The cost of not making these investments grows exponentially every year. Funding for the FY 1998 Forest Service hazardous waste work is provided within the USDA central fund for this purpose. This year's budget reflects continuation of our research program at last year's level.
Science is critical to our program as a nation.
As I said before, we are about knowledge and our research program produces much of the knowledge necessary to address contemporary issues. We will continue to adjust our efforts to meet changing and emerging national and regional issues and maintain a broad based scientific capability. Our overall State and Private Forestry program is also at last year's level. This program is built on a strong partnership among the Forest Service, the National Association of State Foresters, and the Bureau of Land Management. This increase is targeted for Recreation Use, Wildlife and Fish Management, Rangeland Management, Forestland Management and our Soil, Water and Air Program.