[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 29 (Thursday, March 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  INTRODUCTION OF WILDFIRE RESOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD W. POMBO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 14, 2002

  Mr. POMBO. Mr. Speaker, After seeing the destruction that happened 
last year during the fires seasons, I concluded that Congress must be 
prepared to respond to these catastrophic events before the 2002 
wildfire season begins.
  When forests catch fire, a catastrophic event occurs. These types of 
fires are extremely intense. The fires literally destroy every sign of 
life and can rage for thousands of acres. The costs of fighting these 
fires are astronomical. During the 2001 wildfire season, 81,681 fires 
burned 3,555,138 acres that killed 15 firefighters and threatened rural 
communities nationwide. The year before in 2000, more than 7.4 million 
acres burned--equivalent to a 6-mile-wide swath from Washington, DC to 
Los Angeles, CA. These fires destroyed 861 structures and cost the 
Federal government $1.3 billion in suppression programs.
  Quite simply, our Federal strategy to handle catastrophic wildfire is 
not adequately addressing a looming crisis. The Federal Government must 
take action to prevent the loss of wildlife habitat and protect rural 
communities.
  This is why I am asking you to please join me in cosponsoring this 
Wildfire Resolution expressing the Sense of the U.S. Congress to: (1) 
fully implement the Western Governors Association ``Collaborative 10-
year Strategy for Reducing Wildland Fire Risks to Communities and the 
Environment'' and (2) to prepare a National Prescribed Fire Strategy 
that minimizes risks of escape. America needs to know Congress 
understands the forest-health crisis is causing these fires and that 
Congress is taking action.
  In managing our forests, it is very important to remember that they 
are in constant transformation. A particular forest now will look much 
different in 10 years, and in about 50 years will not even look like 
the same forest. Sometimes a forest can get overpopulated with trees.
  While some trees become diseased creating enormous amount of fuel 
that leads to catastrophic fires.
  Reducing forest density and improving the ability of healthy forests 
to survive expansive wildfires must become the No. 1 priority for 
Federal forest managers. This is not a timber industry issue--it is a 
forest-health issue. Thinning practices necessary to ensure our forests 
are able to survive future catastrophic wildfires must begin without 
further delay.
  It is time for Members of Congress to set aside political rhetoric 
and make the tough decisions necessary to end catastrophic losses of 
wildlife habitat, forest resources and most importantly, human lives on 
all Federal forest lands. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution 
be printed in the Record following my remarks.

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