Greg Walden: ‘This is good news for wildfire prevention!’

Today, Representative Greg Walden (R-Hood River) released a statement after the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced  proposals to improve efficiency in forest management projects and expedite efforts to clean up after wildfires.

“Southern Oregon has borne the brunt of wildfires and smoke in recent years,” said Walden. “The BLM’s proposals take meaningful steps to streamline forest management projects that help prevent wildfires. This is welcome news for all of us who have choked on smoke all summer long, knowing we can do better to manage our forests and prevent these fires. That smoke is particularly frustrating when outdated and cumbersome processes have had a real impact on the vital prevention work that must get done in the woods.

“In 2018, portions of a fire prevention project area burned before it could be implemented. For over a year, special interest groups and the agency had been tied up in administrative processes over the project. While they argued, the forest burned. BLM’s proposed process revisions protect public input, while preventing obstruction of these important public safety projects. When fires do strike, I have long advocated for doing a better job of getting in afterwards and cleaning up the burned dead wood and replanting. I’m glad to see that the Trump Administration is taking action on this critical issue by providing expedited tools for forest managers to get that needed work done. Both of the BLM’s proposals will help reduce the risk of wildfire and protect our forests, wildland firefighters, and communities. This is good news for our efforts to prevent wildfires and their negative consequences on our families and economy,” said Walden. 

The BLM’s proposal to modernize forest management rules is the first revision in 35+ years. It would increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of active forest management. Learn more here. 

The BLM’s proposal to expedite post-fire cleanup work would provide economic growth for Oregon’s rural communities, protect our federal forests, and reduce future wildfire fuel loads. Learn more here. 

Click here to learn more about Walden’s efforts to prevent wildfires and improve federal forest management.