Communities in every corner of the country – especially those in Western Colorado – have felt the heavy consequences of intense wildfire seasons. Bipartisan legislation like the Fix Our Forests Act can help address some of the core issues states are facing, including federal land management and collaboration with federal agencies.
Misconceptions around certain provisions of the bill, like the ones in a recent opinion piece (Herald, Oct. 15), are hindering progress by overlooking a critical reality: Effective wildfire fuel management around grid infrastructure is an essential measure to safeguard both our communities and federal lands.
The bill pays attention to whole forest health and conservation, which is why the legislation is supported by conservation groups including the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Rural Voices for Conservation Coalition and The Nature Conservancy.
There are important provisions in the bill that would make significant improvements to our country’s wildfire preparedness and increase collaboration and coordination across the local, state and federal levels. We can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good in this scenario, especially when there is no time to waste.
Chet Wade, Communications Director, Partners in Wildfire Prevention
Pittsburgh
