USFS Firefighting Costs Soar

Today the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Forest Service released an alarming report illustrating the profound impact of rising firefighting costs on national forest conservation, restoration, recreation and management programs. If you’re wondering why the Colville National Forest doesn’t have a pro-crew for trail maintenance this season, here’s you’re answer. Firefighting costs consume more than  50 percent of the Forest Service’s budget, compared with just 16 percent in 1995. The costs are expected to comprise two-thirds of the agency’s budget in 10 years if left unaddressed/ Rich Landers , Outdoors blog. More here .

Question: Do you suppose Far Right elected officials who are pushing state control of federal lands in Idaho have considered the cost of fighting wildfires?