March 1, 2023 11:20 a.m.

Senator Ron Wyden and Colorado senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper have introduced legislation they say would make a $60 billion investment in the nation’s forests to reduce wildfire risk, restore watersheds and protect communities.

Wyden said, “Major investment is urgently needed to protect Western forests and watersheds from increasingly dangerous wildfires and drought”. Wyden said “The Protect the West Act will ensure Congress funds much needed wildfire mitigation and restoration efforts – so communities stay safe and so that future generations can continue to enjoy Oregon’s beautiful natural treasures”.

A release said the legislation would:

*Establish and Outdoor Recreation and Watershed Fund to increase support for local efforts to restore forests and watersheds, reduce wildfire risk, clean up public lands, enhance wildlife habitat, remove invasive species and expand outdoor access

*Make $20 billion directly available to state and local governments, Tribes, special districts and nonprofits to support restoration, drought resilience, and fire mitigation projects

*Partner with states and Tribes to invest $40 billion to tackle the backlog of restoration, fire mitigation, and resilience projects across public, private, and Tribal lands

*Create or sustain over 2 million good-paying jobs, primarily in rural areas, to support existing industries like forest products, agriculture and outdoor recreation

*Save landowners and local governments money by investing in wildfire prevention and natural hazard mitigation on the front end

The legislation is supported by a number of forestry, conservation and Tribal organizations.

A bill summary is linked: https://www.bennet.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/1/5/15d99bd0-6a3e-4ae2-a155-8a11347a5f87/72181A5A82204A6AFF9DA997E383DB3E.protect-the-west-act-one-pager.pdf