With the aftermath of recent wildfires still smoldering across the western United States, a coalition of Democratic senators has stepped forward, urging for increased federal support to restore affected federal lands. Among these senators are Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly from Arizona, who emphasize the urgency of addressing the devastation.
Joining forces with New Mexico’s Martin Heinrich and Colorado’s John Hickenlooper, Gallego and Kelly have highlighted the significant damage inflicted by fires this year, such as the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. In a letter addressed to Senate Appropriations Chair Susan Collins and Vice Chair Patty Murray, both Republicans, the senators have stressed the need for financial resources.
“Repairing wildfire damages to National Parks, National Forests, and Bureau of Land Management lands is vital for the safety and economy of the entire country,” the senators articulated in their letter.
While the letter refrains from detailing the exact amount of funding requested, it underscores a critical issue: federal lands are not eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance. Consequently, the responsibility of cleanup and restoration falls on agencies like the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
The senators’ letter further states, “Our nation’s public lands have tremendous intrinsic, economic, and ecological value. Gateway communities rely on the tourism generated by National Parks and other federal lands for economic development and employment opportunities.”
This year alone, nearly a million acres of Bureau of Land Management lands have been consumed by flames. Notably, the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires ravaged more than 200,000 acres within the Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest. The Dragon Bravo Fire was particularly destructive, claiming the 100-year-old Grand Canyon Lodge and over 100 structures on the park’s North Rim.
“Coconino County is no stranger to wildfires and their impacts to our economy, infrastructure, and tourism,” remarked Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler. “The Dragon Bravo Fire, one of the largest in Arizona history, devastated the North Rim and has caused significant impacts to area businesses whose livelihoods depend on tourism.”
The fire season has also taken a toll on other renowned locations, including Joshua Tree National Park in California, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado, and New Mexico’s Gila National Forest.
—
Read More Arizona News
