RCRC is again encouraging members of the Wildfire Preparedness and Response Legislative Conference Committee (Committee) to act now on recommendations for an enhanced program of forest and vegetation management to help prevent future wildfires like the ones currently devastating communities around the state. Convened in July, the Committee has held numerous hearings to discuss a variety of topics surrounding wildfire prevention, including hardening around utility lines, forest health and fuels reduction, and wildfire liability for investor owned utilities. However, the Committee has yet to produce any language with just over a week left in the legislative session, leaving many stakeholders wondering if any substantive actions will be taken before the Legislature adjourns on August 31, 2018.
This year’s already-devastating fire season underscores the urgency to take action now on wildfire prevention actions such as fuels reduction, forest and vegetation management, increased wood products utilization, and watershed restoration. RCRC is urging the Committee to take advantage of its unique opportunity to implement forest health actions that could change the course of wildfire activity in future years. The Committee is expected to convene at least once more before the end of the legislative session.
RCRC’s most recent letter to the Committee can be accessed here.