The following partial testimony was given by the Chief of the US Forest Service Dale Bosworth to the Senate Interior Appropriations Subcommittee on February 19, 2004. This is a direct statement requesting privatization of recreation-related tasks on National Forests using the indrect language of the word "partnerships" (privatization). Though this language would not preculde non-business entities from partnering with the Forest Service, the Bush Administration, as well as previous administrations, have consistently shown a preference for business interests including the American Recreation Coalition when it comes to those partnerships.
[Emphasis added.]
The Administration will propose expanded and consolidated partnership authorities to make it easier and more efficient for third parties to get involved in the agency's recreation program as well as other management programs and activities. This legislation will streamline the ability of the Forest Service to collaborate with non-Federal partners in achieving natural resource management goals. Forest Service directives cite over 30 different laws relating to partnerships and 14 different types of agreement instruments document partnership relationships. Navigating this complex patchwork of authorities and agreements has hindered the agency's ability to work efficiently and effectively with nonprofit and community partners. We look forward to working with Congress in making it more efficient to work with partners in managing the National Forests.