Collins Introduces Forest Service Bill

9th District U.S. Representative Doug Collins has introduced a bill into the U.S. House to facilitate the transfer of what Collins calls under-used U.S. Forest Service lands to private hands.

It is called the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Land Adjustment Act.

Under the proposal, the Forest Service would sell remote tracts at market value and buy others with the proceeds, consolidating holdings to improve fishing, hunting and hiking. Nearby counties, currently providing unreimbursed services to federal lands, would also begin to collect tax revenue from new private owners.

Collins said this would boost Northeast Georgia’s recreation and economy, while eliminating federal waste and saving taxpayer money.

The congressman called it a win-win at the state and local levels.