SENATE BILL: Forest Restoration Act of 2013 (Law'd)

[Spamage]

I support this bill largely because its time to address the continued destruction of our forests. We need to make a valid solution in order to allow us to continue to use wood and lumber without it affecting, hurting, and destroying our environment. This has been a success in the Pacific and I believe nationally it will only improve our standing by almost making lumber a continous resource and forests abundant.

[Spamage]

This is the sum total of all the changes I'd propose.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

I support this.

[Spamage]

Perhaps we could better tie in 2(2) with the specific industry of forestry as well as make a requirement of quantity of invasive species removed. That way we would prevent the examples shown above. Also, I think that, based of Senator Hagrid's information added, we should only give the break for specific species of trees.

[Spamage]

So, Spamage, would you classify the amendment as hostile until the changes are made? If so, Ben, would you be willing to change the amendment or do you want a vote on it as is?

I will. I support the 10% tax break but think that the 25% survival rule should probably be there. Also I think clarification is necessary for the tax break as several others have pointed out. I may propose an amendment this evening (I assume I can do so?).

[Spamage]

It seems like this bill would encourage higher tree density - which isn't always a good thing for some species, and forest fires also become a greater concern.

True, it does appear that way as you are required to plant more trees than those you logged but you are only forced to do so because as saplings planted trees have higher mortality rates. For those that do survive the ecosystem expands, eventually there aren't enough niches for some of the trees to survive and they ultimately die out as well.  Nature truly has a great way of sorting out itself.

Also in response to Nix, every forest is unique, although the requirements would be similar the true results are that as long as the native species are planted in their correct biome then the forest will continue its unique tradition.

[Spamage]

We are kind of in procedural limbo here because I am not getting clear directives from bill and amendment sponsors.

Is Ben's amendment going to be modified, or is it going to be withdrawn for something else at this point?

Personally, I prefer Nix's... but its not my choice to withdraw Ben's

[Spamage]

We are kind of in procedural limbo here because I am not getting clear directives from bill and amendment sponsors.

Is Ben's amendment going to be modified, or is it going to be withdrawn for something else at this point?

yes
Personally, I prefer Nix's... but its not my choice to withdraw Ben's

Does that mean, you are accepting Nix's as friendly?

[Spamage]

Maximum - $5 million
Minimum - $5,000

I like this.

[Spamage]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Sponsor Feedback: No Entry
Status: We'll I'm Waitin, Waitin on a Sunny Day. Gonna Chase the Clouds Aways, I Need You to Chase the Blues Away  Springsteen ftw! Been a while since I used that for this.

The Department of Agriculture is probably the most appropriate group to administer this so I support this.

[Spamage]

Aye