99-0676

08/10

This house resolution urges the federal government to make full funding of the Land and Resource Management Plan its highest priority regarding its ownership and management of the White Mountain National Forest and to fully fund its obligation to make payment in lieu of taxes to New Hampshire communities containing land within the White Mountain National Forest. This house resolution also urges the federal government to issue an annual report, for public view and distribution, containing information and figures regarding the use of the White Mountain National Forest for timber and recreation.

99-0676

08/10

Whereas, the White Mountain National Forest consists of 720,000 acres in 35 different communities and 14 unincorporated places in New Hampshire; and

Whereas, the presence of national forest land provides both economic benefits and burdens to these communities; and

Whereas, adequate funding by Congress of the Land and Resource Management Plan ensures that the full economic, social and conservation benefits of proper management are received by these communities; and

Whereas, full payment in lieu of taxes by the federal government ensures that these communities receive revenues comparable to revenues these lands would generate in property taxes were they in private ownership; and

Whereas, full funding of the forest plan and full payment in lieu of taxes constitute a fiscal relationship between the federal government and the White Mountain National Forest communities that is essential to maintaining public trust and support for continued management of these lands by the federal government; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives:

That an annual report be issued by the United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service for public view and distribution, containing National Forest contributions to local towns in lieu of property taxes, statistics on revenues from timber sales, information regarding road construction, and approximate numbers of those who use the White Mountain National Forest for recreation and the economic impact on area business; and

That the federal government should make full funding of the Land and Resource Management Plan its highest priority in relation to its ownership and management of the White Mountain National Forest; and

That the federal government fully fund its statutory obligation to make payment in lieu of taxes to New Hampshire communities which contain land within the White Mountain National Forest;

That copies of this resolution be forwarded by the house clerk to the President of the United States, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, the President of the United States Senate, and the members of the New Hampshire congressional delegation.