Forest Service predicts more fires as legislators debate blame

Sac Bee ^ | 7/11/02 | ROBERT GEHRKE, Associated Press

[NormsRevenge]

WASHINGTON (AP) - Repeats of this year's massive wildfires will occur unless the government steps up thinning in forests, a top Forest Service official told Congress on Thursday.

"We'll never be able to stop every fire every time, but we can reduce the risk and severity of these fires," said Sally Collins, associate chief of the Forest Service.

[NormsRevenge]

48 percent of projects designed to cut down trees in fire-prone areas to reduce risks were delayed by appeals, most often by environmental groups. :-| Thanks Sierra Club and Wilderness Society.

[Migraine]

Environmentalists always want to wriggle off the blame hook on matters like these. They also always contend that the project they oppose is only the one at hand (when we know that they oppose each and every project -- especially if some entity stands to make a profit from the beloved wilderness).

The massive Rodeo-Chediski fire in AZ made a dramatic point: "Use it, or lose it". Certainly one of the most noticeable needs was for roads: wide enough, well-used enough to be maintained. These provide firefighters a fighting chance. There is no excuse for a fire to burn, unimpeded, for 50 miles. The Forest Service needs to make recommendations for useful roads where the public can get from scenic point A to point B, for one, and which can act as powerful firebreaks, as a side benefit.

Propose THAT and listen to the enviro-wackos scream!