10 



used that to arrive at the proposal which we beheve is balanced 

 and fair. 



Second, we strove to achieve a balance among the interested par- 

 ties' views. We understand the logging industry's need for wood 

 and appreciate the changes that have occurred in that industry in 

 the last several years. We also understand the environmental per- 

 spective and the repercussions our actions could have on our na- 

 tional forests and the recreational lands. 



Thirdly, we believe that any policy affecting trade should be 

 based on sound science. These proposed regulations provide a legal 

 platform to apply sound science to the regulation of timber prod- 

 ucts. 



We are fortunate to enjoy a very positive and productive partner- 

 ship with the Forest Service. We continually rely on their expertise 

 in technical forestry issues, and their assistance with this particu- 

 lar issue has been invaluable. 



Before coming here this morning, I made a quick review of the 

 programs we at APHIS are conducting around the country and dis- 

 covered that we have a major pest or disease eradication or man- 

 agement program under way in almost every State represented by 

 this subcommittee. 



Many of the States represented here currently have infestations 

 of g3T)sy moth. Other States represented here recently have been 

 forced to deal with the pine shoot beetle and the effects it has had 

 on Christmas trees and other forest product industries. 



These are just two of the pests we must address by enforcing re- 

 strictions and guidelines on the importation of foreign agricultural 

 commodities. 



Our proposed regulations not only provide the first mechanism 

 for the importation of unprocessed wood, they also stipulate specific 

 treatments and procedures required to bring raw wood into our 

 country that will protect our natural and agricultural resources 

 from foreign pests and diseases. 



Timber imports have not been tremendously problematic in the 

 past mainly because the volumes have been extremely low. But as 

 interest in importing raw wood grows, so does the risk of importing 

 harmful pests and diseases. We are responsible to the American 

 people to make sure exotic pests and pathogens do not enter our 

 country along with imported wood products. 



Mr. Chairman, I thank you for the opportunity to discuss this 

 issue with the committee, and I am happy to answer any questions 

 that you or committee Members may have. 



Mr. Rose. Thank you very much. 



[The prepared statement of Mr. Lee appears at the conclusion of 

 the hearing.] 



Mr. Rose. Mr. Rains. 



STATEMENT OF MICHAEL RAINS 



Mr. Rains. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, other Members of the 

 committee. I am with the Forest Service, and I am with Dr. Nancy 

 Lorimer from our Forest Pest Management staff. 



I am the Associate Deputy for State and Private Forestry. That 

 is one of the major branches in the Forest Service and our respon- 

 sibilities are to help manage and protect the non-Federal lands. 



