FIREFIGHTERS  (CONT)

We believe that, while hazardous fuels reduction projects may not provide much commodity resource outputs, this work is labor-intensive and could provide year-round employment for rural communities. According to the best available science, fire reintroduction is an essential component of hazard reduction and forest restoration, and the skills of wildland firefighters will be a tremendous asset in this endeavor. Consequently, Congress and the Administration should provide clear direction to federal agencies to invest National Fire Plan money in fire management planning and firefighter training in order to facilitate increased prescribed burning and wildland fire use. Proactive prescribed burning is far safer for firefighters and the public than reactive wildfire suppression, and most firefighters desire to wisely manage wildland fires for social and ecological benefits, not simply extinguish them at all costs.

Finally, we are concerned by recent calls by the Bush Administration and members of Congress to exempt timber sales and fuels reduction projects from informed citizen involvement and environmental safeguards. In an era of burgeoning corporate scandals resulting from deregulation of energy and financial markets, and in light of past land abuses and lack of accountability by government agencies, we do not support similar efforts to deregulate public lands management.

Sincerely,

David Atkins, Former Forest Service smokejumper, Cave Junction, OR

David Calahan, Retired municipal firefighter, Medford, OR

Joseph W. Fox, Former Forest Service smokejumper, McCall, ID

Timothy Ingalsbee, Former National Park Service fire pro technician, Eugene, OR

Patrick Withen, Current Forest Service smokejumper and volunteer municipal firefighter, Wise, VA