WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) is urging Congress to support draft legislation that would require the U.S. Forest Service to actively manage its commercial forest lands and increase timber production on federal lands. Unveiled by House Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.), the legislation would help to ease lumber price volatility and keep the nation's forests healthy, says NAHB.

"The Restoring Healthy Forests for Healthy Communities Act would encourage increased production on federal timber lands, while at the same time remain mindful of important environmental considerations," said Justin Wood, vice president of construction for Fish Construction NW Inc., based in Portland, OR. "This legislation will go a long way toward helping rebuild the supply chain and reviving local mills and timber companies, while ensuring the continued recovery of the housing industry."

Testifying on behalf of NAHB before the House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation, Wood said that the legislation would benefit rural communities and boost harvesting on federal lands by requiring the federal government to implement active forest management plans.

With lumber one of the most volatile-priced building materials and a major component in home construction, Wood also pointed out that proper federal forest management policies are tied to affordable housing.

"NAHB research shows that for every $1,000 price increase for a median priced new home, over 232,000 households can no longer afford that home," said Wood.

"Federal forests supply a mere 2 percent of the wood used by the forest products industry, and it is important for Congress to take a deep look into what barriers the Administration is facing in pursuit of increased harvesting on federal lands," he continued. "Chairman Hastings' bill would ease escalating price pressures, allow responsible timber production to occur on federal lands, protect the environment and help keep housing affordable for hard-working families."