Bill Overview
Title: Small-diameter Timber and Underutilized Material Act of 2022
Description: This bill addresses the removal of small-diameter trees in fire hazard areas. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Forest Service (FS) and the Department of the Interior from charging a fee to authorize the removal of a small-diameter tree in a fire hazard area, including a fee for a special use permit; or recovering any processing or monitoring cost of authorizing such removal. The FS or Interior may charge a fee for removal of a small-diameter tree of a particular species of tree in a fire hazard area upon determining that the fee is appropriate and disclosing that determination to the public.
Sponsors: Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Target Audience
Population: People working in and with timber industries globally, particularly in fire-hazard areas
Estimated Size: 500000
- Small-diameter trees in fire hazard areas are often left unharvested due to economic impracticalities, so this bill could open the door to increased economic activity in timber-dependent areas.
- Forests that are at risk for fires are often situated in rural, economically disadvantaged communities that depend on forestry for employment.
- In the United States, the U.S. Forest Service manages approximately 193 million acres of national forests and grasslands, mostly located in fire-prone regions like the western United States.
- Timber industry workers, including loggers, mill workers, and those involved in the processing of timber products, will be directly impacted by the legislation.
- Environmentally-conscious groups and individuals concerned with forestry practices and sustainable resource management could also be affected in an indirect manner.
Reasoning
- The target population largely involves people employed in the timber industry or communities dependent on forestry for their economic stability.
- Rural areas with fire-prone forests will see direct impacts, suggesting that people living in these areas would experience tangible changes in their wellbeing.
- The opportunity to remove small-diameter trees without fees may encourage local economic activity, indirectly benefiting local businesses.
- Environmentalists' perspectives focus on sustainable practices, influencing their views about fire management and tree removal.
- Some individuals might not feel direct economic benefits but could experience improved safety and reduced fire hazards, affecting their psychological and emotional wellbeing.
Simulated Interviews
Forestry Worker (Oregon)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy will make it easier for us to manage the forests and keep our jobs.
- I'm concerned about over-harvesting but also hopeful about more work opportunities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Environmental Scientist (Northern California)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I worry about the ecological impact if this leads to aggressive logging.
- If managed well, it can reduce fire hazards sustainably.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Mill Worker (Washington)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean more timber for our mill, keeping us employed.
- Fire risk in my area is high, so this policy could really help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 2 |
Retired (Colorado)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reduced fire hazards will help me feel safer at home.
- Concerned about local biodiversity and keeping the landscape intact.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Independent Logger (Montana)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy could help cut down costs and increase business.
- I worry whether actual implementation will be smooth.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Conservationist (California)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supportive of reducing fire hazards but keen on ensuring ecological balance.
- The lack of fees could lead to exploitation if not regulated.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Rancher (Idaho)
Age: 30 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having fewer fire hazards nearby is reassuring.
- Could impact local landscape and wildlife negatively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
State Forestry Official (New Mexico)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy aligns with our goals to safeguard communities from fires.
- The challenge will be implementing it effectively.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Fire Management Specialist (Nevada)
Age: 29 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that reduces fire risk is beneficial to my work and community.
- Must be carefully monitored to prevent misuse.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 2 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 2 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 2 |
Tourism Operator (Wyoming)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improving forest safety can attract more tourists.
- Must balance removal with the overall health of the forest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 3: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 5: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 10: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 100: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Key Considerations
- Initial cost set by the bill is counterbalanced by potential downstream savings and economic activities.
- Administrative costs may not show immediate reduction despite fee removal.
- Effects on biodiversity and ecosystem services when increasing timber harvest activities should be monitored.
- The policy could serve as a pilot for similar resource management initiatives if deemed successful.