Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso question Chief Schultz
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned United States Forest Service (USFS) Chief Tom Schultz about eliminating the Roadless Rule, safeguarding timber production, effective wildfire response, treatment timelines, and Forest Plan Revisions in Wyoming.
USFS Chief Tom Schultz testified at today’s Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing.
“I also wanted to congratulate you and thank you for working with Secretary of Agriculture Rollins.
“Your work on rescinding the Roadless Rule a few weeks ago, that rule to me was outdated.
“It was outdated policy that has hindered forest management in Wyoming for years.
“This is going to restore vital forest health, it’s going to help reduce wildfire risk across the country, and help to boost responsible timber production.
“So, thank you for your leadership there.”
“With regard to timber production, you know over two years ago, the Neiman Enterprise announced layoffs and shift reductions at its Spearfish South Dakota Forest Products facility.
“At their facility in Hulett, Wyoming, they reduced down to one shift.
“This has significantly reduced their capacity as a result of the Biden Administration’s limiting of timber production, and this has impacted the saw mills all around.
“What’s the agency doing to retain the remaining forest products infrastructure in the Black Hills National Forest?
“And then you’re helping with the local communities as well?”
On Effective Wildfire Response:
“You said, ‘We must steward tax dollars wisely,’ and I appreciate that.
“You know, we’ve had a number of fairly significant fires in Wyoming.
“Last year, the House Draw Fire in Johnson County —175,000 acres. The Elk Fire — 98,000 acres.
“Rural communities in the West are bracing again for this year, and of course, resources are spread thin.
“Federal and state agencies, I believe, must work together.
“Can you talk about how the Forest Service is engaging state, local and private partners to ensure we can effectively respond to wildfires?”
“In this committee, over the years, we talk about how many millions of acres of our national forests are at ‘high’ or ‘very high’ risk of wildfire.
“I think it’s just about 63 million acres right now.
“In the fiscal year 2024, the U.S. Forest Service treated only about 4 million acres of our national forests.
“I think it’s imperative that the U.S. Forest Service start planning on how they are going to treat all these high-risk areas within our national forest system.
“You inherited the prior administration’s budget deficit as well.
“Can talk about how you plan to lead the agency to catch up from the last four years in forest management?”
“Just last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it’ll be revising the NEPA regulations, the National Environmental Policy Act.
“So I commend you and Secretary Rollins for your efforts to reduce unnecessary red tape and to streamline the projects.
“As you’re well aware the Forest Service is required to update and develop land management plans to guide management of our national forests.
“I understand the U.S. Forest Service has been conducting public and stakeholder meetings so Wyoming’s voice will be heard.
“Currently in Wyoming, the Bridger Teton National Forest and the Black Hills National Forest are undergoing their forest plan revision process.
“Can you please give us an update on your timelines for these forest plans?”
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