Rep. Schrier Seeks Answers from Forest Service Chief During Wildland Fire Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) participated in an Agriculture Committee hearing focusing on the 2021 wildland fire year and the ongoing threat of wildfire to communities across the nation. During the hearing, Rep. Schrier spoke with Forest Service Chief Randy Moore and invited the Chief to visit her district in Central Washington, where a vast majority of the land is owned by or adjacent to National Forests. Rep. Schrier's remarks can be found here and here.

"A recent report from the Washington Department of Natural Resources identified 3 million acres of forest lands in the state in need of restoration," said Rep. Schrier. "I'm proud of the work being done by local fire districts, counties and non-profits to treat these landscapes. They are engaging in controlled burns and mechanical thinning as much as possible, but they face daunting barriers, and of course they need their neighbor, the Forest Service, to do its part."

During her line of questions for Chief Moore, Rep. Schrier sought answers on the staffing and capacity issues at the Forest Service which are hindering large-scale forest treatments. Constituents of the 8th Congressional District have notified Rep. Schrier's office that hiring limitations and salary constraints within the agency are stalling desperately needed projects. Chief Moore responded that he is hopeful that increased funding in upcoming legislation will mitigate staffing problems.

In her remarks, Rep. Schrier also highlighted that one of the biggest barriers to conducting large-scale forest health treatments in Central Washington is the near total lack of mill infrastructure in the region. Currently, public and private landowners must truck logs over 150 miles away from their business at high costs that dramatically reduce revenue. Opening a mill in Central Washington has the support of local groups and industry leaders, and would create family-wage jobs, support the wood products industry, and reduce housing prices in the area. Chief Moore and Rep. Schrier agreed to meet again in the near future to discuss what a small diameter mill would mean for the Central Washington region.

Finally, Rep. Schrier asked Chief Moore about the Upper Wenatchee Pilot Project, specifically when an environmental assessment would be available for the public to view, when we can expect a NEPA decision, and when work will actually be starting on the ground. Chief Moore answered that NEPA analysis should be out in Spring or early Summer 2022 and that he is optimistic about the project.