Central Montana Times

U.S. Senator Steve Daines has expressed his approval for President Trump's decision to expand the implementation of a provision related to wildfire management. The provision, initially introduced by Daines and enacted into law in 2021, is based on the Forest Service's "Emergency Situation Determination" authority. Its expansion is intended to facilitate streamlined forest management projects in regions facing immediate threats, such as catastrophic wildfires.

In a statement, Senator Daines praised the administration's approach to the wildfire issue, which poses significant risks to National Forest System lands across Montana. "Montanans and folks across the West are sick and tired of breathing in smoke. It is refreshing to have a President and USDA Secretary who recognize the dire emergency of wildfires and stand ready to protect our communities by implementing commonsense, science-based forest management projects," Daines said.

The authority under this provision enables the Secretary of Agriculture to declare emergencies, allowing for expedited actions by the Forest Service to safeguard public health, critical infrastructure, and natural resources on these lands. The expansion is seen as a crucial step in accelerating on-the-ground management efforts to combat the impending wildfire seasons.

The announcement highlights the ongoing efforts of federal and state agencies to address the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in the western United States.

Contact: Matt Lloyd, Rachel Dumke