The Nature Conservancy is supporting proposed legislation by the Washington Department of Natural Resources to provide dedicated funding to improve Washington’s wildfire response capability and restore wildfire resistance in our forests and communities.
The proposed legislation, unveiled at a press conference led by Public Lands Commissioner Hilary Franz, would be the largest investment Washington has ever made to expand its wildfire team, protect fire-prone communities, and restore the health of its forests. It’s planned to be introduced as legislation in both the state House and state Senate when the Legislature convenes in mid-January.
Looking over the results of wildfire three years after a natural burn in the Central Cascades. © Zoe Van Duivenbode/TNC
“Wildfires are a major contributor to Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change and increasing the risk of future fires,” said Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, D-West Seattle, and sponsor of the House bill, speaking at the press conference. “They also cause severe harm to air quality in every part of Washington state, causing harm to the health of every Washingtonian, particularly seniors, children and infants, and individuals with respiratory problems.
We have a solid 20-year Forest Health Plan for Eastern Washington and a strong Wildland Fire Protection 10-Year Strategic Plan, Franz said—now it’s time for a dedicated source of funding to implement these plans, restore our forests, safeguard communities and ensure firefighters have the training and equipment they need.
In the Yakama Nation, climate change is disrupting traditions, natural resources—and community health. Tribal members are on the frontlines of consequences wrought by our warming planet: from seasonal shifts to spikes in asthma to growing wildfire risk. See and hear tribal members speak about the impacts of fire on their lives.
“People in Central and Eastern Washington, and around the state, recognize that healthy forests are fundamental to our prosperity and the ability of our communities to thrive,” said Mike Stevens, the Conservancy’s Washington state director, speaking at the conference.
We all care deeply about the air we breathe, the forests where we work and play, and the clean water and wildlife habitat they support. It’s time now to invest in these forests, he said.
See a recording of the press conference on TVW
Read the Associated Press: Public Lands Commissioner Proposes Fund to Fight Wildfires
