Fire Prevention Funding Cuts Could Scorch ID
Monday, April 2, 2007
Boise, ID - Idaho could soon feel the burn because a program that helps pay for thinning trees and brush to reduce fire risk is at risk in the federal budget. The State Fire Assistance program has the strong support of the Western Governors Association and National Association of Counties because it helps prevent big wildfires that cost billions to fight. Chris Mehl with The Wilderness Society says it's a smart investment.
"You spend the money now because we're all going to save money down the road, and we're also going to save a lot of anguish and harm, whether it's your house not burning down, or not putting firefighters at risk this summer."
The administration wants to cut the fire prevention program by 15 percent, as part of overall Forest Service budget cuts. State foresters have recommended increasing fire prevention treatments because of lower snowpacks and higher summer temperatures, as well as more people living near forests and rangeland.
"There are more people than ever in the West, and we've got more fire danger because of drought and forecast high temperatures this summer."
More info at www.wflccenter.org.
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