Both sides’ arguments are intensifying as the state legislature continues to debate whether Wayne National Forest should be allowed to continue accumulating land across the region.

Monday, September 18, 2000

Both sides’ arguments are intensifying as the state legislature continues to debate whether Wayne National Forest should be allowed to continue accumulating land across the region.

Proponents of a four-year buying ban say the Wayne is not following a plan to become a multi-purpose forest. They have proposed new legislation to study the economic impact of the forest’s programs.

"House Bill 441 was proposed over a year ago," said Ohio Rep. Nancy Hollister, R-Marietta. "It evolved from many years of conversation and frustration."

Ms. Hollister said the legislation, if passed, will basically require a "time-out" on Wayne National Forest’s ability to continue to buy land from private land-owners.

"We would like some time to study the economic impact of the forest," she said. "The House of Representatives has passed the legislation and it’s waiting for the Senate approval. I can remember the same discussions of what the forest is supposed to do versus what it is doing from 20 years ago, and they have been never-ending."

She said the federal government is not using Wayne National Forest as a multi-purpose forest – a requirement outlined in a plan 10 years ago.

The measure, known as the 1988 Land and Resource Management Plan, said the Wayne National Forest could acquire land as long as it allowed such projects as timbering and mining for oil and natural gas; built recreational trails; and established camping sights for public use.

"A plan was drafted approximately 10 years ago to make the forest a resourceful project," Ms. Hollister said. "That plan has never been followed. We’ve had an interesting state of nothingness for the last 10 years. This forest is not a preserve and it’s not a national park."

Wayne National Forest officials disagree with Mrs. Hollister’s description of the forest’s land use.

"We were first criticized for cutting to much timber, now we’re being criticized for not cutting enough," public affairs officer Ken Arbogast said. "Everything Rep. Hollister is proposing is currently being imposed by federal law."

Arbogast said the growth prescribed in the plan to which Mrs. Hollister referred was created as a result of public opinion and that the forest is well-within those guidelines.

"We brought together a group of public interests to devise the plans of the forest 10 years ago," he said. "The current plan calls for us to grow to 322,000 acres by the year 2035 and currently we’re at 229,000 acres. She says we do not have a multiple use forest, but we do have oil and gas projects. We have also developed the land for ATV and horse trails. So, again, we already offer what the bill is seeking to do except we haven’t had nor have a timber program currently."

Ms. Hollister said House Bill 441 is calling for a four-year moratorium at which time a committee will be appointed to study the Wayne National Forest and to report on its activities.

"At the end of the four years, a commission is to issue a report on the economic impact of the forest in its current state," Ms. Hollister said. "This commission will allow for a more comprehensive debate from all parties, both the private land owners (and) those involved with the forest. The fact is that this forest is the most infant forest of the federal government and is certainly the most forgotten. We hope to maybe bring a timber program into the area and overall, make it a better neighbor."