Email this article
Printable version
Senate quizzes Forest Service nominee
Colorado's Harris Sherman touts support for roadless protection
Herald Denver Bureau
Sherman
The Senate Agriculture Committee did not vote Wednesday on Sherman or five other nominees for senior U.S. Department of Agriculture posts, but members asked Sherman about roadless areas, climate change and rural development.
President Barack Obama has nominated Sherman to be USDA undersecretary for natural resources and environment, a post that oversees the Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Sherman said he would excuse himself from approving the Colorado Roadless Rule that he helped craft as the director of the state Department of Natural Resources.
"Let me just re-emphasize my personal commitment to protection of the country's roadless areas. This is an extremely important asset to our current generations and future generations in the United States," Sherman said, responding to a question from committee chairwoman Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark.
Sherman has not sat down to discuss roadless strategy with his future boss, USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, he said.
Lincoln quizzed Sherman on the Secure Rural Schools Act, which dedicates money from logging to local governments. The act expires in 2011, putting funding for small schools and counties at risk, and Lincoln wanted to know whether he would support its extension.
Sherman said he wasn't familiar with the act.
"But I promise you I will become familiar if I am confirmed. I will look into it actively and get back to you on that," Sherman said.
Colorado counties got more than $17 million from the act in 2008, according to the Forest Service, including $354,000 in La Plata, $368,000 in Montezuma and $608,000 in Dolores counties.
Sherman noted the challenges and opportunities facing national and private forests.
"Many forests are in trouble due to past fire suppression, increased fuel load and changes to our climate," he said, singling out Colorado's pine beetle plague as an example.
On the other hand, forests can play a major role in climate and energy issues, Sherman said. They are "carbon sinks" that absorb carbon dioxide from the air, and they can provide fuel for biomass energy production, he said.
Sherman will remain as director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources until his Senate confirmation for the USDA post, said Theo Stein, the department's spokesman.
Votes of the Senate Agriculture Committee and full Senate have not been scheduled.
advertisement
510 acres of beautiful meadows,lush irrigated pastures, pine woodlands, ponds, rock bluffs, & 1.5 miles of the West Mancos River. Split rail & barbed wire fencing. 3,577 sf custom log main residence, 729 sf log guest home, stable, hay & equip. barns. Exceptional water rights. $5,500,000
Durango Herald Calendar of Events
