Congressman Blake Moore introduces the Save Our Forests Act

Rep. Blake Moore on a tour of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in August. Photo: Townlift

WASHINGTON — On Wednesday, Congressman Blake Moore (R-UT) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) introduced the Save Our Forests Act to address chronic staffing shortages in National Forests, including the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, to improve risk mitigation and response to wildfires.

The legislation would direct the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to fill vacancies in National Forests and Grasslands for recreation management and planning staff, including recreation technicians, recreation officers, and natural resource managers.

“As an accredited land trust, the Summit Land Conservancy understands that the land can’t speak for itself.  This bill provides the essential staffing to manage and maintain these important natural resources,” said the Summit Land Conservancy.

The bill would also direct the Forest Service to provide Forest Protection Officer (FPO) training and certification opportunities for individuals filling these vacancies.  The bill authorizes $46 million to be appropriated annually for the next two fiscal years to fill these positions.

“In Utah, we appreciate and understand the value of our lands. We also understand the importance of proactive management actions that protect these lands.  As fires continue to threaten our communities and natural resources, we must act to improve our ability to effectively manage these forests to ensure their health and longevity,” said Congressman Blake Moore.

“That is why I am proud to introduce the Save Our Forests Act with my friend Congressman Jimmy Panetta, which will fill critically important vacancies in the U.S. Forest Service to help reduce the risk of wildfire and improve our overall land management,” Moore said.