Atlanta, GA—After years of collaboration with multiple partners, The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund are pleased to support the introduction of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act (H.R. 470) early on in the new two-year cycle of the 114th Congress.

The Act is a unique solution that more effectively conserves valuable forestlands, reduces strain on county budgets, enhances economic activity, and allows greater public access to and enjoyment of one Georgia’s most treasured places. The Act allows the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to sell parcels of land that are disconnected from the core lands of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest and identified by the USFS as suitable for disposal.  Proceeds from the sale of these parcels will go into a federal account that the USFS may use only to buy critical properties within the National Forest from willing sellers. If the legislation passes, proceeds from the sales will only be spent inside the existing USFS proclamation boundary in Georgia – they could not be used to “grow” the forest beyond that boundary. 

Congressman Doug Collins of Georgia’s 9th Congressional District introduced the bill on January 22, 2015.  “This bill would eliminate federal waste, saving taxpayer money, and provide more opportunities to Georgians from around the state to enjoy our beautiful region,” said the Ninth District Republican.

With the revenues generated, the USFS will identify critical tracts within the Forest that are for sale by willing sellers and—if added to the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest—would improve forest management, wildlife habitat, water quality, public recreation, and other forest benefits.  Additionally, the acquisition of inholdings within the National Forest can help reduce the strains on county budgets, which can come under pressure particularly if lands, which are located deep within the Forest and are hard to access, are developed and require county services.

“Rep. Collins clearly understands that this legislation will allow the U.S. Forest Service, in collaboration with partners like The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund, to better protect and manage the national forest and the benefits it provides the people and wildlife of Georgia,” said Deron Davis, executive director of The Nature Conservancy in Georgia. “Development patterns and other factors make these disconnected tracts no longer worthy of federal investment in conservation.”

“Opportunities for hunting, fishing and hiking will improve with the consolidation of these federal lands,” said Andrew Schock, Georgia State Director for The Conservation Fund. “We appreciate Congressman Collins’ commitment to a broadly supported and winning solution for Georgia’s National Forest, which is an economic driver and conservation treasure.” Georgia ranks 5th in the nation when it comes to consumer spending on outdoor recreation, with a 2013 report from the Outdoor Industry Association finding that $23.3 billion annually is spent on outdoor recreation in Georgia, which generates more than $1 billion in state and local tax revenue.”

Betty Jewett, Forest Supervisor of the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, said,  “We appreciate Congressman Collins’ support for the Forest Service and public lands in Georgia.”

The legislation is similar to legislation introduced last year in the 113th Congress by U.S. Senators Chambliss and Isakson (GA).  In addition to The Nature Conservancy and The Conservation Fund, this legislative approach is supported by the Trust for Public Land, Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia Conservancy, and Trout Unlimited in Georgia.  It is modeled after successful legislation at other National Forests including those enacted into law in Arkansas and Florida in the 108th Congress; Mississippi and Texas in the 106th Congress and Virginia in the 105th Congress.