Press Release

"The 2002 fire season is likely to be one of the most devastating and costly in recent decades, and it has yet to reach its peak," Martz told the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. "Resources must be available to fight fires this summer without disrupting vital proactive work after the fire season has concluded. That work, such as thinning and ecosystem restoration, will help to diminish the devastation of future fire seasons."

Martz said Western governors strongly support emergency supplemental funding currently being considered by the Congress for Forest Service and Department of the Interior wildland fire management.

"In part, the need for these resources is demonstrated by a July 8, 2002, memorandum from Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth," Martz said. "That memo calls on regional foresters to defer certain obligations and projects because of the difficulty the Forest Service is having in paying for fire suppression costs. Without emergency funds we will continue to rob Peter to pay Paul, while perpetuating the mistakes of the last century."

Martz said forests and rangelands are in dire need of action and work should move forward as rapidly as possible, once the resources are made available by Congress.

"Without diminishing environmental protection, we also need efficient and effective processes to get the job done," Martz said. "Unnecessary delay, once consensus has been reached on projects to meet our goals, will cost us dearly in terms of dollars, resources and possibly lives."

Western governors also are asking for continued substantial funding in fiscal year 2003. They specifically requested funding for: 

• community assistance, which is critical for rural communities trying to protect homes, businesses and watersheds;
• restoration work to improve forest ecosystem health and to rehabilitate burned and unburned areas so they regenerate in a way that reduces the risk posed by future fires; and
• the State Fire Assistance program, which provides technical and financial assistance to states and local governments to enhance firefighting capabilities.

Martz provided the committee with 10-year funding projections prepared by the National Association of State Foresters. Those funds would help implement a 10-year strategy for reducing wildfire risks. That strategy and implementation plan were developed by the governors, the Administration and diverse partners, including environmental groups and affected industries.

"Western Governors believe that over time, with continued substantial up-front investment, we can significantly reduce the damage caused by wildfires, protect lives and property, and improve the health of our lands. It has taken more than 100 years to reach the current situation of extreme fuel loads on our federal, tribal, state and private lands, and it will take a multi-year investment of time, money and on-the-ground work to address it." 

Gov. Martz's testimony and the 10-year strategy are available on the WGA Web site at www.westgov.org. The Western Governors' Association is an independent, nonprofit organization representing the governors of 18 states and three U.S.-Flag islands in the Pacific. Through their Association, the Western governors identify and address key policy and governance issues in natural resources, the environment, human services, economic development, international relations and public management.

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