(LibertySociety.com) – On July 22, Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR) sponsored the bipartisan Resilient Federal Forests Act. The introduced bill, backed by 72 House Republicans, 1 House Democrat, and more than 86 organizations, aims to “restore and maintain forest health using science-based active management.”
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) praised the GOP-led effort to protect the United States’ wildlife and woodlands from current and future devastation.
Its passing cannot come soon enough, considering the number of destructive fires across the country exceeded 58,000 in 2020. It’s also on track to top that amount by the end of 2021.
The New Preservation and Restoration Proposal
Climate change impacts on weather patterns, and a general lack of resources for experienced professionals, partially led to the declining health of US forests. That, in turn, resulted in uncontrollable timberland flames that continue to destroy the environment, communities, local economies, and lives.
If passed, the act will help groups identify the “top 10% of high-risk fire sheds,” empowering agencies by giving them access to the tools and funds they need to maintain and rebuild our national forests for the greater good. Without proper handling, a boost in local support to fight fires, and relief from legal issues, these blazes will persist, causing irreparable damage.
The bill also intends to speed up managing services and planning, address reforestation measures, assist tribal forest care, restore watersheds, and improve overall habitats in affected areas.
Using Management to Control Wildfires
In general, wildlife management includes controlled burns, removal of decay, and monitoring insect populations. This allows land managers and organizations to “prevent catastrophic wildfires” while also preserving the natural landscape. It takes careful balance and expertise.
But in the absence or delay of correct practices, a tinderbox in the woods awaits just the right spark to ignite vast destruction.
Saving Our Lands
Time is of the essence to save federal wildlife habitats. Reports show over “80 million acres of national forests” are in danger of burning down. Fires continue to spread out of control every day, decimating precious resources, nature, and in some cases, entire towns.
The essential governmental step of passing this act isn’t a partisan issue; it’s a national problem that affects every American. Putting proper procedures in place to mitigate fire damage should ensure the safety and prosperity of our land for the foreseeable future.
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