VIDEO: BLM disregards Colorado Governor's authority over forest management

Washington, DC, July 23, 2012
WASHINGTON D.C. – Last week, Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO) was stunned by objections from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to legislation that would increase state control over forest management decisions in high-risk areas, like those infected by the bark-beetle epidemic. Specifically, the legislation that BLM objects to would allow governors and state officials the ability to more efficiently remove beetle-killed trees that lead to unhealthy forests and add fuel to wildfires.

Last week, Congressman Cory Gardner (R-CO) was stunned by objections from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to legislation that would increase state control over forest management decisions in high-risk areas, like those infected by the bark-beetle epidemic.   Specifically, the legislation that BLM objects to would allow governors and state officials the ability to more efficiently remove beetle-killed trees that lead to unhealthy forests and add fuel to wildfires. 

 “We have a situation once again where Washington is fiddling while our states are burning,” Gardner said during Friday’s Natural Resources Committee hearing on the Healthy Forest Management Act, H.R. 6089.

Gardner is an original co-sponsor of the Healthy Forest Management Act, which was introduced by fellow Colorado Congressman Scott Tipton. Though Gardner is not a member of the Natural Resources Committee, he was invited to participate in this hearing because of the recent wildfires in his district.

Stay Connected

Use the following link to sign up for our newsletter and get the latest news and updates directly to your inbox.

Sign Up For Updates

Office Location