Rural California Counties Urge National Forest Management Reform

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Rural California Counties Urge National Forest Management Reform

The Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC) and the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) announce joint support for enactment of legislation to better manage California’s national forests.

Old Fire 2003 The Old Fire was a wildfire that started on October 25, 2003 near Old Waterman Canyon Road and California State Route 18 in the San Bernardino Mountain

SACRAMENTO, CA – October 28, 2013 – “The growing bipartisan recognition that Congress must address proper management of our nation’s forests illustrates the need to enact healthy forest legislation in 2014,” said Kevin Cann, RCRC Chair and Mariposa County Supervisor. “The recent wildfires on U.S. Forest Service lands clearly demonstrate the results if Congress fails to act.”

Two weeks ago, RCRC and CSAC authored a joint letter to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources urging the creation of bipartisan legislation related to forest management reform. Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1526 to provide a mechanism for better management of our federal forests; however, most congressional observers believe that legislation will not be considered in the U.S. Senate.

“The health of our forests, the safety of our rural communities, and California’s natural resources are threatened by the current condition of our national forests,” said David Finigan, CSAC President and Del Norte County Supervisor. “It is crucial that all of California’s forested counties experience a reform in the management of the forests to minimize fire threats, ensure a proper balance of animal life and vegetation, protect recreational opportunities, and help rural communities return to economic vitality.”

RCRC and CSAC argue that while components of the House of Representatives-approved legislation may not be acceptable to the majority of the Senate, reforms can be adopted to address active management, streamline environmental laws, and revise the U.S. Forest Service’s day-to-day approach to managing our forests.

The RCRC/CSAC joint letter to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources can be accessed here.

Source: http://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/mariposa-daily-news-2013/161-october/10637-california-counties-urge-national-forest-management-reform

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CFN - California Fire News 2013

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How fires get their names

Every year in California thousands of wildfires start throughout the state. In most cases, the dispatch center sending the initial resources to a wildland fire will designate a name for the fire, but the first on scene engine or fire official can also name the incident. Fires are usually named for the area in which they start – a geographical location, local landmark, street, lake, mountain, peak, etc. Quickly naming the fire provides responding fire resources with an additional locater, and allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name. For example during the Southern California Fire Siege of 2003, the largest wildland fire in California history, the Cedar Fire in San Diego County, was named after the Cedar Creek Falls area where it started. The destructive Old Fire, which burned during the same time period in San Bernardino County, was named after the road along which it started - Old Waterman Canyon Road.

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CFN - CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS - CAL FIRE NEWS

Wednesday, October 30, 2013