Summer 2000, Volume 9, Number 2
GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES OUTLINE
Q:Statistics from the Indiana Deportment of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service show the Indiana forest products industry is the 5th largest in the state, and that Indiana's privately owned and public forests support this annual $690 million industry. Based on this information, what is your perception of the importance and impact of timber harvesting in Indiana?
A: (O'Bannon) As Governor, I expect the Department of Natural Resource's Division of Forestry to work closely with industry professionals to further promote lndiana's fine forest products to the world as well as citizens who care about Indiana's forests and lumber industry. Indiana's forest products industry contributes over $2.5 billion each year to the State's economy and generates over $5.5 billion in worldwide sales. The State's residents who live and work in areas of the State that rely on the timber industry for revenue and wages are helped by this productive industry. An estimated 50,000 Indiana jobs depend on the forest products industry. Without a doubt, I recognize the importance and impact of timber harvesting in Indiana.
(McIntosh) I believe that timber harvesting is a very important component of Indiana's economy. It provides the valuable hardwood that allows Indiana tobe competitive in our important facets of our economy like lumber, veneer, fur-niture, and other industries that use hardwood. In Congress, I've spent a great deal of time in preserving harvesting rights throughout the country. If I'm elect-ed governor, I can assure you that I will do all in my power to keep the timberharvesting industry vibrant.
Q: Indiana's 146,000 acres of state forest lands are managed for multiple uses, including wood products. Please comment on your views on the importance and/or necessity of harvesting timber from state vs. private lands.
A: (O'Bannon) Indiana's timber harvests have been conducted in a sustainable manner. Since the State harvests less than is grown each year, the State can help sustain other resources and values. State forest timber harvesting shows how integrated resource management can maintain the forest as well as provide a reasonable economic return. Harvesting timber in a responsible manner sustains both public and private timberlands.
(McIntosh) It is vitally important that we manage our state forests to allow multiple uses including recreation, sporting fishing and hunting, and timber harvesting. Our duty as good stewards of the land is to manage them so they remain healthy, vibrant ecosystems that support these activities. The state should also provide information and assistance to private landowners to assist them in so managing their resources. Multiple use practices will keep the harvesting industry strong and our forests healthy. This is exactly the policy I pursued as a member of Congress.
Q: Preservationist groups have stepped up their efforts to halt all management of state forest land, arguing that public land should be allowed to revert to "pre-settlement' conditions. Public land managers view state forest lands as demonstration areas for the many benefits well-managed forests provide. Please comment on how your administration will view the concept of multiple-use management as an option for managing state land.
A: (O'Bannon) Multiple-use management has proven very successful, and my administration has supported this concept. When the State acquired what is now state forestland, almost every inch was comprised of farm fields, pasture or cut over timberland considered to have very little value to anyone. Through management by DNR foresters, the forest has reached the conditions of today. Those practices include tree planting, erosion control measures, timber stand improvement work and harvesting. The Indiana General Assembly established state forests to "protect and conserve the timber, water resources, wildlife and top soil in the state forest for the enjoyment and guaranteed use of future generations. It is recognized, however, that by the employment of good husbandry, timber which has a substantial value maybe removed to benefit the growth of saplings and other trees . . ."
DNR's Division of Forestry identifies and protects unique areas, works to eliminate invasive species, harvests and improves timber and manages wildlife. The State strives to ensure the forest will continue to provide the bene-fits envisioned by the legislators on the early 1900's.
(McIntosh) I firmly believe that to halt the management of state forests would mean that we are not fulfilling our duties to be good stewards of the environment. We must conserve state forest land through the best multiple-use management techniques. As governor, I will vigorously oppose any efforts to allow public land to revert to a 'pre-settlement' conditions. I will also not be beholden to any special interests that will push me to do such a thing.
Q: Private property rights, and the right to practice forestry, are key concerns of many Indiana landowners. How will your administration respond when government (whether city, county, state or federal) regulations result in what is considered a "taking' of private property rights?
A: (O'Bionnon) While it is difficult for government and private citizens to strike a proper balance between private property rights and public good, it is essential to respect both important values. Eminent domain or annexation are usually the function of local government and must be used sparingly and only when there is a clear public benefit. Under Governor Bayh and expanded by my administration, the Indiana HeritageTrust has purchased public lands only from willing sellers.
(McIntosh) When working for President Reagan, Vice-President Quayle, and in Congress, I have always upheld constitutional right including the right of private property owners to just compensation if their land is taken for public use. Generaly, I am very opposed to the taking of private property in the first place unless it is absolutely and clearly in the public interest. As governor, I will work to minimize regulatory takings at every level of government, and ensure that just compensation is paid to whomever such takings occur. In Congress, I supported several pieces of legislation to curtail takings and ensure proper compensation when they did take place.
Q: The Environmental Protection Agency has recently attempted to odd silvicultural practices, including timber harvesting, to their list of point-source polluters and contributors to a body of water's "Total Maximum Daily Load," or TMDL, of pollution (silviculture activities are currently considered non-point source pollution). Most scientific studies, however, show less than one percent of all non-point source pollution comes from forest management activities. Please comment on the EPA's proposal, and your position on protecting water quality in Indiana. What action will your administration take to protect private property rights and prevent the EPA from bringing federal regulatory action into private land management?
A: (O'Bannon) We all have a duty to protect all parts of our environment for the future of our State and for our children. Best Management Practices for forestlands minimize the effects of harvesting on water and wildlife. The Division of Forestry coordinates state timber harvests with experts in soil and water to minimize the impact on the ecosystem. The State also encourages the further development and use of best management practices in the private sector.
It is my understanding that the EPA withdrew their proposal for TMDL restrictions on silvicultural practices on July 13. This seems to be a reasonable decision. Both the Department of Natural resources and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management will continue to work to ensure clean water while protecting the private property rights that Hoosiers hold as valuable rights.
(McIntosh) Silviculture should remain a non-point source of pollution for purposes of clean water regulations. My vision for improving Indiana's water quality will use a new vision of incentive based cooperation with industry and local government that will prioritize water quality projects starting with those with the most Environmental benefit for the cost. In this way we will breakthrough the current stalemate and achieve over time the highest quality of clean water for Indiana. My administration will vigorously protect private property and do all in my power as governor working with federal authorities to modify EPA rule making when it infringes on private property rights or issues rules like the one on silviculture that have no foundation in science.