Costa, McCarthy, Ask to End Log Export Ban  
Visalia Times-Delta (September 26, 2016) 
 Valley Congressman Jim Costa is asking US Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack to consider lifting a ban on log exports in the western states.

The idea has been promoted by Tulare County Supervisor Steve Worthley as perhaps the only way to clear the massive and growing backlog of millions of dead trees in the Sierra including Tulare County. A US Forest Service spokesperson said they are discussing the idea. He added that even if Vilsack opts to make an executive waiver, it could a take a year before any logs head overseas. Congress could also act on the idea.

The law was put in place when the western timber industry sought to protect their source of supply. That industry is now a shadow of its former self. Tulare County for example, has only one sawmill left, in Terra Bella. The State of California has organized a Tree Mortality Task Force that includes Forest Service staff looking at ways to reduce the “fuel load” in the Sierra with miles of dead trees -- essentially like standing match sticks waiting to light up.