NMMA, outdoor industry partners seek action from Congress on wildfire budget
This week, NMMA and partner groups from the outdoor industry sent a letter to Speaker Paul Ryan, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to address the outdoor industry's request for Congress to reform the federal wildfire suppression funding formula. The letter outlined the groups' concerns that our nation's publc lands recreation programs are being jeopardized due to outdated and inadequate wildfire suppression budgeting.
The groups noted that, "The rising costs of the 10-year average formula [outdated budgeting process] are shifting approximately $100 million annually from non-fire accounts including recreation to meet fire needs.
We ask for your immediate action on a comprehensive and permanent solution to the surging, nearly uncontrolled cost of forest firefighting. The Congress has proposals with bipartisan support pending: The Wildfire Disaster Funding Act. Action is needed now."