It’s looking like another difficult fire season. I’ve experienced many over the course of my 40-year career with the Forest Service. During that short span of time, active fire seasons have become more frequent, severe and costly. The reasons for this are varied, but climate change and weather play a significant role in the occurrence and severity of such events. While people debate the reasons for this change we will all live with its consequences.
Threats to our forests and communities from unwanted wildfire are all too real, especially to those who have lost homes, suffered damage to property or worse. Not to mention, firefighters and pilots that put themselves in harm’s way to contain and control fires. These threats can be mitigated (not eliminated) by appropriate and well-designed treatments that approximate natural disturbance (e.g. thinning and prescribed burning).
Montana’s Congressional Delegation is looking for ways to address the concerns and risks confronting the public and the resources they are responsible for. I commend their efforts and encourage them to work together to find ways to reduce conflict and delays.
A recent article titled “Roll Call: The Two Fold Solution to Protect our National Forest and Communities” written by retired Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth, and Chairman of the National Association of Forest Retirees Jim Golden make valid points.
Proposed legislation such as The Resilient Federal Forest Act of 2015 (HR 2647) cosponsored by Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke, which empowers collaboratives and reduces incentives to file law suits, and The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act (HR 165/S 235), which improves funding strategies, would be helpful in addressing some of the issues faced by agencies that must manage our forest while protecting our communities.
A sense of urgency is needed. It certainly is by those whose lives and properties are threatened.
Tim Love, retired district ranger
Seeley Lake