The calls to simplify and expedite the process to conduct active forest management for the sake of forest health, wildlife habitat enhancement and lessening the possibility of catastrophic wildfire continue to grow. The Western Governors Association (WGA), a bipartisan organization representing the governors of the 22 westernmost states and territories, raised its voice in support of a key piece of federal legislation.
“As the wildfire crisis has worsened in recent years, Western Governors have developed and advocated for a range of policy recommendations to promote healthy western forests that can continue to provide our communities with jobs, recreation, quality of life and important ecosystem services,” Utah Governor and WGA Chair Spencer Cox and Hawaii Governor and WGA Vice Chair Josh Green wrote to leadership of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry. “S. 1462, the Fix Our Forests Act, advances many of our recommendations, and we are eager to continue to work with the Committee to support critical forest management reforms through the legislative process.”
Four other WGA governors, Gavin Newsom of California, Jared Polis of Colorado, Greg Gianforte of Montana and Cox, sent a different letter to Senate committee leadership three days earlier.
“This legislation offers vital reforms that will improve forest and watershed health, address the wildfire crisis and renew struggling timber economies across the West. Updates to fireshed management areas, expedited approval and planning processes, expansion of the Good Neighbor Authority, fostering advancements in cutting-edge wildfire related technology and improved judicial review processes will greatly benefit federal forest management practices,” they wrote.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry approved the Fix Our Forests Act by a bipartisan vote of 18 to 5 on October 21, sending the measure to the full Senate floor for a final vote. The U.S. House passed a similar measure in January by a bipartisan vote of 279 to 141.
To become law, the Senate needs to pass its version and then negotiate bill differences with the House, have both chambers pass the revised legislation and send it to the president.
The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a strong proponent of the Fix Our Forest Act and urges its membership, sportsmen and women, and others to contact their senators and urge them to vote in favor.
(Photo credit: Inciweb)