President Bush has signed the Healthy Forest Restoration Act, sent to him by a strong bi-partisan effort in Congress. Since the year 2000 the United States has seen the worst forest fires in fifty years. The President says the act is aimed at cutting the red tape that often hampers efforts to reduce fire hazards in the nations’ forests.

“The bill expedites the environmental review process so we can move forward more quickly on projects that restore forests to good health. We don't want our intentions bogged down by regulations. We want to get moving. When we see a problem, this government needs to be able to move.”

The act also sets priorities for forest management with emphasis on woodlands that are close to communities. Public participation in project planning is also encouraged with a more effective appeals process.

“With the Healthy Forest Restoration Act we will help to prevent catastrophic wildfires, we'll help save lives and property, and we'll help protect our forests from sudden and needless destruction.”

Last years fire season burned nearly seven million acres, destroying more than 800 homes and taking the lives of 23 fire fighters. Ron Tull, Interior Department Radio News Service.