In April, the Trump Administration issued several executive orders that could — if implemented — have a significant impact on our work and our state.
First, the administration issued two executive orders aimed at expanding logging on federal lands by calling for exceptions to the National Environmental Protection Act, streamlining the Endangered Species Act, and promoting domestic timber production.
As I said when these orders were announced, I am ready to increase support for forestry work on federal lands when the work aligns with our state’s interests and values.
I see opportunities for partnerships on federal lands relating to science-based thinning, fuels reduction and restoration work. I value our long, positive working relationship with the U.S. Forest Service, and I expect that relationship to continue.
However, I will not allow our agency to participate in any work that violates state or federal laws and regulations — or conflicts with our values as the Evergreen State.
Trump’s more recent draft executive order around wildfires is also concerning. The draft order aims to loosen regulatory firefighting policies and certifications needed to fight fires. While well-intentioned, it risks the safety of our firefighters by eliminating critical aerial firefighting requirements and inspections.
I believe this order is dangerous, risky, and poorly written.
It dangerously reduces the safety of our communities and our wildland firefighters. State and local agencies make up 75% of wildland firefighting efforts, and I believe the Trump administration should be allowing those of us who are on the ground to make these decisions.
Here at DNR, we will continue to monitor the status of — and legal challenges to — these orders.
Wildfire safe, wildfire ready
The temperatures may just be starting to rise across the state, but at DNR, our preparations for the wildfire season are already well underway.
Wildfire prevention and response is a multi-layered, interdependent system involving every level of government. With our federal partners hit by cuts, chaos, and confusion, more will fall on state agencies, Tribal governments, and local fire districts than ever before.
Fortunately, DNR is home to the finest firefighters and support teams in the world — and we will be ready for whatever comes our way this summer.
Over the past few months, our teams have been busy training seasonal firefighters, launching our community resilience program, and delivering resources and equipment to local fire districts.
Earlier this month, I had the chance to visit our central wildfire supply cache in Tumwater, from where we’re shipping 15 surplus fire engines to fire districts in wildfire prone areas across the state. I also had the opportunity to visit our Interagency Fire Academy in North Bend, as new firefighters received their training for the upcoming season.
And just last weekend, I traveled to Yelm for the annual launch of Wildfire Ready Neighbors, our community resilience and resource program aimed at keeping communities across the state informed about the best ways to protect their homes and prevent the worst outcomes of wildfire.
As federal wildfire funding is being threatened — and a state budget crisis impacts programs and agencies here at home — there’s a lot at stake right now. But rest assured: DNR’s wildfire teams are the best in the world, and we will be ready for the wildfire season.
But it’s never too early to think about what you can do to help us. As temperatures rise and more of us get out on public lands, remember to always practice fire safety, remember to create defensible space on your property, and always remember to be wildfire ready.
