wildfire mitigation

A study from the USDA’s ARS confirmed the value of livestock grazing as a tool to protect western rangelands from wildfires.  The Public Lands Council, which represents ranchers who hold federal grazing permits, hailed the research as more proof of the important role livestock grazing plays in protecting our natural resources.   “In a ...

It may be cold with snow on the ground, but the U.S. Forest Service is already looking to the fire season ahead.  Oregon’s ongoing drought, more frequent heatwaves and less rain and snow, mean longer and more intense fire seasons.   “The h...

Washington State University’s Forest Owners Winter School takes place this weekend.  Natalie Johnson with the state Department of Natural Resources, said the full day event is geared toward small forest landowners.   "It's everybody from very small forest land owners to moderate size," said Johnson.  "Our definition of...

The USDA announced Tuesday the investment of $48.6 million to mitigate wildfire risk, improve water quality as well as restore forest ecosystems.  The funds come via the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership.   USDA announced the Forest Service and NRCS will invest in projects, including 14 new projects, bringing together agricultural producers, forest landowners, and National Forest Sys

Last week, Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack announced his agency is expanding efforts to reduce the risk of wildfires in the western U.S.  Funds will be invested to directly protect at-risk communities and critical infrastructure in 11 additional landscapes in Washington Oregon, Idaho California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah.   “...

University of Oregon researchers are studying community smoke management plans and how local governments can better prepare the public for fire season.  Student researcher Stuart Warren said management plans can allow communities to get exemptions from current prescribed fire rules.   “...

In the fight against massive wildfires across the west, many in the ranching community say the best tool isn’t a helicopter or a shovel. It’s a herd of grazing cattle. Mark Pratt, President of the Idaho Cattle Association, said cattle can remove the fine fuels that allow fires to grow at a breakneck pace. “My und ...

Like many other events in 2020, the Washington Policy Center’s Farm Hall is moving on-line during the pandemic. The WPC’s Pam Lewison said typically they hold three farm halls, sprinkled across Washington. But, because of COVID-19, everything will move into the virtual world. Whi ...