Last Tuesday during a review of the Trump Administration’s Fiscal Year 2021 budget request for the U.S. Forest Service, Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee members raised concerns about proposed cuts to research and to programs that work with states and private forest owners.
Chairwoman Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), expressed concern that the budget request would reduce state and private forest initiatives that lay the groundwork for reducing wildfire risks and promoting healthier woodlands. The Forest Service request would reduce funding for research and development areas by 25 percent, consolidate two research stations and eliminate several research programs, including those on fish and wildlife and recreation. This includes $5.3 billion for core programs and $2 billion from discretionary to address wildfires.