BUSH SIGNS HEALTHY FORESTS BILL INTO LAW

Washington, DC: Wildlife Mississippi recently joined President George W. Bush at a signing ceremony for legislation that will improve forest management, minimize devastating wildfires and improve fish and wildlife habitat. This legislation will also improve air quality and habitat for threatened and endangered species.

The bill that was signed into law was the product of months of hard work by the conservation and forest communities. Wildlife Mississippi worked closely with its allies in the conservation community and with members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate throughout the process of developing the bill to ensure that the final product would help to protect, restore and enhance fish and wildlife habitat through active forest management. Many species of fish and wildlife depend on a diversity of different forest management practices, from early succession habitats to old growth forests.

Before signing the bill, President Bush said, "I appreciate the members of Congress who have joined us...members who listen to the people, who know what they are talking about...starting with Senator Thad Cochran. Thad has done a fabulous job of getting the bill out of the U.S. Senate."

"Wildlife Mississippi placed a high priority on enacting forest management legislation and worked to craft a bi partisan solution," said W.J. Van Devender, one of Wildlife Mississippi's Trustees. "It was an awesome experience to be part of one of the greatest pieces of conservation legislation since the bi-partisan efforts of the 1970s and to work with Senator Cochran and President Bush on it."

"By his comments about his own property near Crawford, Texas, it is obvious that President Bush cares passionately about fish, wildlife and forests. We are glad he put some common sense back into forest management for the health of the forests and the wildlife that reside there," continued Van Devender. For a complete copy of President Bush’s remarks at his ranch, click here.

For a complete copy of President Bush’s remarks at the signing ceremony, click here.