Fighting fires and fixing forests

A bipartisan bill intended to manage and improve forests on federal land, increase resilience to wildfires and boost forest restoration projects, H.R. 471 Fix Our Forests Act, was passed recently in the House with a vote of 279 to 141. It has now moved on to the Senate.

The bill supports reducing community wildfire risks, carrying out forest restoration and stewardship activities (including watershed protection and restoration), conducting biochar demonstration projects, advancing technologies to address forest wildfires, and assisting wildland firefighters and their families.

Healthy forests contribute to our community by providing essential resources like clean water, air purification, food sources, recreation opportunities and by regulating climate, thus impacting the overall health and economic well-being of the people living within that area. They also serve as important habitats for wildlife and can even improve our mental health through access to nature. 

Thank you to Rep. Jeff Hurd, R-Grand Junction, for supporting and co-sponsoring this vital legislation, especially in our area, which is vulnerable from more frequent heat and drought events.

– Susan Atkinson, Durango