Central Wyoming News

U.S. Senator John Barrasso recently welcomed Wyoming State Forester Kelly Norris to testify before the Energy Committee on the wildfire risk. During the hearing, Senator Barrasso emphasized the urgent need for effective forest management in western states, particularly Wyoming, in preparation for the upcoming wildfire season.

Senator Barrasso commended Ms. Norris's expertise, stating, "I am delighted to have with us today, Kelly Norris. She has testified previously before this committee. She is Wyoming State Forester." Senator Barrasso also highlighted the severity of the wildfire threat, saying, “Our federal forests are in dire need of effective management. In recent years, Wyoming and the other western states have endured wildfires of unprecedented size and destructiveness."

In her testimony, Kelly Norris addressed the challenges faced by federally managed forests, stressing the importance of prioritizing wildfire crisis management. Norris expressed concerns about potential conflicts between national old growth initiatives and the U.S. Forest Service's wildfire crisis strategy. She emphasized the need for a laser focus on addressing wildfires to protect and preserve old growth forests, stating, “America’s federally managed forests face serious threats."

The discussion at the Energy Committee hearing underscored the critical need for proactive forest management and coordination between states and federal agencies to mitigate the risk of devastating wildfires. The testimony provided valuable insights into the policy recommendations outlined in the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission’s report, urging a concerted effort to enhance wildfire mitigation activities and safeguard forest ecosystems.